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CLARK'S 

v# «» H!S T 

*&" OF 4* 

III. 

TO WHICH IS ADDED 
v, ITS 4^,,. 

Interspersed with 

many pleasing Sf interesting 

incidents. 



18 61 ■; • ' •••••-' 

Printed at the National Printing Office, 
ByH, P. Clarke High Street, Bye, Sussex 



PREFACE. 



I have differed from authors generally, as 
they use the plural pronoun, we, instead of 
the singular pronoun, I ; for it is written, 
Thou shall not yoke the ox with the ass ; 
therefore, I mean to be one or the other. 

I know full well if / get blamed or into 
trouble, by my writing, there will be no we 
to share a part in the one or to get me out of 
the other ; and as to praise, I am in too hum- 
hie a position, too plain in my remarks, to 
need any ice to share in that respect, having 
no decoration of stile, no profusion of ordina- 
ry display of talent, nor expansiveness of in- 
telect to introduce me to particular notice, 
and my only consolation is in the following 
verse. 

My works may often be admir'd, 

AY hen 1 am dead and rotten ; 
If so, 'twill be about the time 

WM&Q Shakespeare's are forgotten. 

H. P. C. 



Co tfje JN&Itr* 



Several of my friends have often expressed a wish 
that I should furnish the public with an outline of 
my journey, thus far, through life. To this I would 
reply that there may be more talent required than I 
possess ; for, to give a tolerable account of one's 
self, may appear, to some, as egotism. 

Well, notwithstanding all impediments, I will be- 
stow a little information, gratis, on the public. 

As I do not write for patronage, and as I do not 
study to please any one but myself, it will be useless 
for any one to find fault with my left-handed way, 
as some may term it, of expressing myself. 

Those who wish to possess a little knowledge of 
my past life may obtain it by perusing the following 
pages ; and those who are not so desirous had better 
proceed with my History of Rye. 

I was born in Brighthelmston, in the Hundred of 
Wales- bone, in the County of Sussex, in Septem- 
ber (4), in 1797. 

At an early age I was sent to school. I soon made 
progress in my scholastic duties ; so that within a 
very short period of time I could repeat the alpha- 
bet. After a few years I left my first school and 



went to, what I was then proud to call, a ** man's 
school." Here I made as much progress as I had 
attention paid to me,, which: was none at all. I was 
then sent to a superior school, to finish my education. 
Here I wrote two copies a week, and always had 
great praise, as they were generally free from blots, 
and this was all the praise, I believe, was due. In 
cyphering I exceeded my master's and parents' ex- 
pectations. In this branch I was considered to be 
very clever. How I came to make such rapid strides 
was neither known to my master nor to my parents ; 
but I knew. My master was in the habit of taking a 
glass of ale every day, at eleven, at an Inn, called 
the Seven Stars ; and during that time I invariably 
eopied my sums from a book which he hadfprocured 
previous to his becoming a teacher of the rising ge- 
neration. In reading, I knew nothing. My master 
always read every verse,, and the whole of the class 
read after him in an audible voice; sometimes my 
book was the wrong way upwards ; sometimes I did 
not turn over a leaf when I should ; sometimes I 
turned over two leaves instead of one, and all this 
did not cause any obstruction or delay, for I had ar- 
rived at that acme, in learning, that I could read 
as well without a book as with ; for, as the hunter 
says, I was always in at the death (end). 

At the age of fourteen I left my academical stu- 
dies, being a genuine specimen of the old school. 
My grandmother considered me to be a prodigy, as I 






5 

could tell exactly, through the assistance of Moore's, 
the day of the month, the length of the day, when a 
new or full moon would appear, and when an eclipse 
would take place ; in fact I was called a clever boy, 
and a funny little fellow, for there was no crying or 
going to sleep where I was. 

Soon after leaving school I was sent to a village, 
near Horsham, called Nuthurst, to a person who 
was a farmer and miller, he then being in want of a 
lad to keep his accounts, he being too ill to attend 
to business. Here my trials in life began : here I 
found that my learning was something like the soap 
and water bladders that I had so often blown, defici- 
ent of substance ; however, I gave satisfaction. I 
was there nearly a year, during that time the farmer 
died. When I left, a present of a handsome watch 
and appendages was made me, for being, as was 
termed, a good boy. 

When I returned home I worked with my Father, 
at the Turnery business. At the age of twenty-one 
my Father placed me in business, which I carried 
on for five years. I then left my native town for 
Rye, At the age of thirty I set up in business, in 
Rye, in my old trade. I then married one of the fair 
daughters of Eve, named, Ann Waters, a native of 
Rye. About two years after it popped into my head 
that I should like to turn Printer (although a stran- 
ger to that business), there being but one in the 
town, and he refused to print several things that 



e 

were against the old corrupt system, carried on by 
the patron of the borough, Dr. Lamb. 

I was recommended to a type founder in London. 
I was soon there, and with the person to whom I 
was recommended. 1 told him that I was about to 
open a small printing business, in the country; and 
that I wished him to furnish me with a list of mate- 
rials that would be required, and the price also; 
telling him that he might know better than I did, as 
it was sometime since that I had worked at the bu- 
siness ; this I said to let him know that he had not 
a greenhorn to deal with. 

The next morning I called, and after the usual 
formalities he produced a list, which he read, which 
was nearly as follows : — 

You will want, said he, so much of Brevier, so 
much of Long Primer, so much of Pica, and so 
much of Fat-Face Pica. Here I was quite at a 
stand ; Pica, I wondered what Pica meant. He still 
proceeded, so much of Great Primer, so much 
of Double Pica. What! more Pica, thinks I. How 
I wondered what this Pica was; but I dared not 
show ignorance, as having previously given him to 
understand that I had been in the trade. Well, he 
proceeded, you will want so much Canon, I nod- 
ded assent and was as wise as ever, so much of 
4-line Pica, 6-line Pica, 8-line Pica, and 10-line 
Pica. This was a stunner and no mistake. There 
were two things that I was sure of, that I knew no* 



T 

thing what Pica was, and that I never should forget 
the name. Now, says he, you will want some furni- 
ture ; but whatever furniture meant I knew not, it 
was equally as foreign as the rest ; but there was no 
more "Pica." 

In the course of a week I was garreted in Rye ; 
that was, I had my "Press, Pica, and Furniture," 
safe in the garret, and no one knew any thing of my 
intention. 

A few evenings after, I heard the crier announce 
that a special meeting of the members of the " In- 
dependent Association" would take place at the 
Red Lion Inn, and that it was particularly requested 
that every member would attend, at eight o'clock. 
Here was a trying time, every thing went contrary ; 
but, through great perseverance, I succeeded at last 
in producing a bill, announcing to the public that I 
had turned printer. I hastened to the said meeting, 
which was so full that I could not at first obtain ad- 
mittance. I requested that my bill might be given 
to the chairman, who soon announced to the meet- 
ing that he had a notice, just put into his hands, 
that would tend to hasten their political redemption. 
He said he would not keep them in suspense for a 
moment, but that he would read a bill that he held 
in his hand, which was as follows : — "Rye Inde- 
pendent Press. H. P. Clark, Printer." No more of 
the bill was read. The burst of joy and surprise be- 
ing so great, as no one, in Rye, knew that I had 



8 

turned printer till that moment. The next morning 
I had the rules of the association to print, which I 
executed very well, considering; but out of them 
an argument arose, and I, being a printer, was refer- 
red to. The question was, does such a sentence re- 
quire an article or does it not? My answer was, I 
do not know what an article is, but I suppose that 
it is something about grammar. Here was a pretty 
" article." Here I felt a sting, and at the same time 
a determination that ignorance and I would part for 
ever, in this respect. I immediately purchased Cob- 
bett's Grammar, and in all my walks it was my com- 
panion, and daily it was my study, 

I soon after published a Grammar in prose and 
verse ; after that my Songs and Recitations, then my 
Father's Advice to his Sons, then my Ideas on 
Legislation, then my Consistency versus Inconsis- 
tency, then my Ideas on Free Trade, then my Ram- 
bling Thoughts, then How to Choose a Wife, and 
now my History of Rye. This is a brief sketch of 
the life of 

Henry Pocock Clark. 



9 
DEDICATION. 

Dedications are very general, and oftea 
prove beneficial, especially when they are 
by permission; and when that permission is 
by one who is pleased with adulation. A de- 
dication often stamps a work with a favour- 
able impression, and that in favour of the 
writer : but, myself, being deficient of a flex- 
ible mind, that would allow me to deal out 
praise to whom no praise is due, I, therefore, 
expect no favour whatever. 

I shall now proceed in my usual way, 
without any comment, and dedicate this work 
to my sons and daughters, namely, 

Charles Clark, Cyrus Clark, 

Christopher Clark, Caleb Clark, 

Cornelius Clark, 
Catherine Clark, Charlotte Clark. 



H.P.C. 



Rye, 
1861 



10 



INTRODUCTION, 



History is a mirror of passing events and 
of by-gone times ; the reflection of which, 
more or less, often proves imperfect. 

In early times there was not the facility 
in printing as there is at the present, where- 
by numerous records of passing events were 
not so correctly chronicled as they are in 
this age ; therefore, in many respects, where 
doubt or wonder may appear, reason must be 
exercised to give an impression of its au- 
thenticity. 

Mankind, generally, feels a pleasure in 
reading or relating past events ; and few 
there are who do not desire to perpetuate the 
same. I, therefore, flatter myself that this 
work will please in many respects, as it con- 
tains an interesting description of Rye and 
its environs, blended with many incidental 
circumstances intended to instruct and amuse. 

H.P.C. 



HISTORY OF RYE. 



The origin of Rye must remain in obscuri* 
ty, as it seems to be too remote to venture an 
opinion upon, for I might as well endeavour 
to affirm who will be its last inhabitants or 
who were its first, as to give a true account 
of its origin. 

Rye, no doubt, occupied a far more con* 
spicuous place in ancient history than in mo- 
dern. It is situated about a mile and a half 
from the ^ea ; it has an antiquated appear* 
ance, standing on a rock, peninsulated by the 
river Rother. It is a place of ancient date 
and once of great importance ; but art and 
science, time and circumstances, the great 
improvers and the great removers, have left 
this once proud place far in the shade of 
modern improvements. 

Its locality once would not allow of any 
addition to its magnitude, it being a walled 
town and surrounded with water ; while 
other places, which in ancient times were 



12 

scarcely known, have since, like mushrooms, 
sprung into notoriety, and have outvied those 
towns which once were the pride and boast 
of the Sussex and Kentish coasts, and the 
bulwarks of old England, whose inhabitants, 
with, their navies, were considered 

" Great, Glorious, and Free, 
The first flower of the earth, 
And first gem of the sea." 

It appears that the origin of the Cinque 
Ports is so remote that no authentic account 
can be given, Lombard says, Whereas our 
villages of Rye and, Winchelsea are and 
ever were ancient villages, . and w r ithin the 
liberties of the Cinque Ports. Now, this 
"ever were ancient villages" goes to prove 
that which I have stated, that no definite 
period can be fixed 

Other historians say, that the privileges of 
these ports- were first granted by Edward. 

Some say, the first ports which received 
privileges were Dover, Sandwich, and Rom- 
ney, and Hastings and Hythe were added 
by William I, and that Rye and Winchelsea 
were annexed soon afterwards, before the 
reign of John* 



13 

It appears to me that he who writes the 
least about the origin of the Cinque Ports 
will make the least errors, for in the reign of 
Elizabeth an allusion was made, respecting 
the missing charters, thus, " By length and 
tract off long time and many ages, or other- 
wise, are perished and utterly worn out,, 
lost, or decayed." Allowing the above to be 
correct, it will then substantiate my previ- 
ous assertions. 

It is generally understood that Rye and 
Winchelsea received their charters from the 
Cinque Ports at a very early date. Two pa- 
pers, respecting the same, bearing date 1194 
and 1197, were preserved from the general 
destruction that took place in 1878 and 1448,. 
by the French sacking and burning the town. 

Bracton, who wrote, it is said, learnedly 
of the laws of the realm, in the reign off 
Henry III, gives two accounts respecting the 
Cinque Ports' navy. 

The first is by Penchester of Dover, the 
other by Custumall of Hythe, which is not 
considered to be so ancient a date as Pei*~ 
Chester's. 



14 

The first says, 
The Port of Hastings ought to find 3 Ships. 

The Lowie of Pevensey 1 

Bulverhithe and Petit Jahn 1 

Bekisborne, Kent 7 

iGrench at Gillingham, Kent, 2 men and armour 
The town of Rye 5 

The town of Winch elsea 10 

The Port of Rumney 4 

JLydde 7 

The Port of Hyde 5 

The Port of Dover 19 

The town of Folkestone 7 

The town of Feversham 7 

The Port of Sandwich withStonor, Fordwich, 
; Da!e 5 

Total 81 
The second account says, 
The services due by the Cinque Ports are that 
Hastings shall find 21 Ships* 

and in every .ship 21 men, and a Garcion, or 
boy, which is called a Gromet. To it pertain 
.( as the members of one Town ).the sea-shore 
in Seaford, Pevenshey, Hodoney, Wincbel- 
sey, Rye, lhame, Bekesborne, Grenge, Nor- 
thie, Bulwerhethe. 

Romenal *> 

in every ship 21 men, and 2 Garcion. To it 
jpertain, as members thereof, Promhell, Lede, 
{Eastwestone, Dengemarcys, old Jtumney. 



15 

Hethe 5 

as Romenal before. To it perteineth the West- 
liethe. 

Dover 21 

as Hastings before. To it pertein Folkstane, 
Fevershara, and St. Margarets, not concern- 
ing the land, but for the goods and catails. 
Sandwich 5 

as Romenal and Hethe before. To it pertein, 
Fordwich, Reculver, Serre, and Dele, not 
for the soil, but for the goods. 

Later dates of the number of ships to be 
supplied, and by whom, run thus, 

Hastings 5. Pevensea, c, Seaford, c, Bulverheith, 
Petit Ibam, Hidney, Beakesbourn, and 
Grench. 

Romney 5 Lydd, c, Promehill, Old Romney, 

Dengemarsh, and Oswardstone. 

Hithe 6. West Hithe. 

Dover 21. Folkstone, c, Feversham, c, Mar- 

gate, St. John's, Goresend, Burching- 
tonWood, or Wood church, St. Peter's, 
Kingsdown, and Ringwold. 

Sandwich 5, Fordwich, c, Walmer, Deal, Rams- 
gate, Stoner, Starr, Brightlingsea. 

Rye 5. Tenterden, c. 

Winchelsea 10. Total 57. 

Those that have a c are corporate towns. 



16 

The Barons of those Ports provided those j 
vessels and men for 15 days in a year at 
their own expense ; after the expiration of 
that time they were, if the king choosed, 
compelled to serve longer, at his expense, as 
follows : — 

The Master 6<Z., by the day, the Constable 
6di 9 and each other mariner 3d. 

There are other accounts, varying a little 
in the number of vessels required from each 
port, which was changed as times and cir- 
cumstances required. 

The pay of those vessels seems small, and. 
I have no doubt but that it was, respecting 
the officers, for in those days aristocratic 
pride had not introduced that useless extra- 
vagancy which beggars the many to satisfy 
an ungovernable desire of the few. 

The pay of those vessels, 1 should say was 
about equivalent to ten times now. 

In former times this navy, no doubt, was 
considered very formidable, and now it 
would be but a Liliputian one when compar- 
ed to the late Baltic fleet ; even the Welling- 
ton, 131 guns, could annihilate such a navy 
in a short space of time. 



n 

It appears that tbe crews of this navy were 
not over scrupulous, for whilst they protected 
our coast and vessels from the enemy they 
plundered them themselves ; and thus be- 
came, not only the terror of foreign mariners, 
but the dread of English as well. 

In their piracies they acted with savage 
barbarity, by flinging over-board the crews 
of the ships which they plundered. 

Old Winchelsea was the depot for their 
ill-gotten merchandize, as those in power 
shared in the booty, and connived at the 
enormities. 

In 1266 Prince Edward put a stop to their 
cruelties ; he attacked Winchelsea, took it 
by storm, and put to the sword all the prin- 
cipal inhabitants concerned in the inhuman 
practices of the times, and thus checked a 
rebellious spirit springing up in the Cinque 
Ports. 

Up to the reign of Henry VII there was 
no state navy, and he was the first who built 
a man-of-war on account of the state, which 
was called the Great Harry. 

The use of cannon was now introduced, 
-consequently the navy of the Cinque Ports 
was no longer serviceable. 



18 

Having given a summary of the origin and' 
particulars of the Cinque Ports and the two 
Ancient Towns, Rye and Winchelsea, I shall 
proceed with my History of Rye. 

That Rye was a walled town no one will 
deny; but to the particular extent of its 
boundary no one can affirm. Jeake, when 
speaking about the sea-side of the town says, 
some streets, the Badding's gate, and wall 
leading therefrom to the Land Gate, were 
washed away. 

This is supposed to be, by some, the most 
accurate account of the demolition of that 
part of the town. 

In my opinion, which amounts to nothing 
nowadays, as opinion carries but little weight 
unless it emanates from the wealthy, the 
words " some streets " carry with them an 
extent of magnitude, and would lead one to 
conjecture that the town stretched much far- 
ther towards the sea than it does at the pre- 
sent. I do not know what proof can be given 
to this assertion, neither do I suppose that 
Jeake would insert any thing which he con- 
sidered to be incorrect; but conjectures are 
often treated as facts. He, like others, was 



19 

indebted to others, or he must ground his o*~ 
pinion on that of others, and thereby was li- 
able to fall into error, as there might have 
been some " black crows " about at that time- 

It is allowed by all historians that Rye 
was once surrounded with water, and that it 
was washed by the flux and reflux of the 
tides ; which would act more on the weak 
parts than 01$ the strong. Now, the Ypres 
Tower is on a rock, between there and Land 
Gate is a slippery soil, which would lead any 
one to suppose that no works much beyond 
the parallel of the projecting, rocks were ever 
built. 

Mr. Holloway, to prove that the walled 
boundaries of the town extended as far as 
the Fish-market, says, Some large fragments 
of rocks are visible in the channel* This, I 
think, proves nothing, for at Pollard's Wharf, 
and farther up the river, large pieces of rock 
are often visible* and even some were sent to 
the House of Commons, to prove that the bed 
of the river was composed of rocks and not 
of a boggy substance as was mentioned in 
that house, when the Ryers and Landholders* 
were at a war of law. 



20 

Again, the Ypres Tower was built as a 
place of defence, and to keep the enemy a- 
way. This leads me to think that it was near 
unto where an enemy xould effect a landing, 
as at that time the bow was the musket and 
the arrow the bullet ; therefore, if this Tower 
had been placed at a distance, the discharge 
of arrows could not have had the desired ef- 
fect. 

And further, to establish my idea that no 
wall extended beyond the line that I have 
previously alluded to. Mr. Holloway says, 
This tower having been erected on this spot 
as a tower of defence ; and, if we recollect 
the pecuHar locality of Rye at that period, 
we shall see that the spot was well chosen; 
standing on the edge of a steep rocky cliff, 
at the foot of which flowed the sea. Now, 
this being the case, it was not likely that any 
one would wall in the sea beyond the " steep 
rocky cliff," for at that time security was of 
greater consequence than an extention of 
boundary, as in those days of semi-barbarism 
there was no sparing of " Odessa," but de- 
vastation was the order of the day. 



21 

Again, he says, The tower stands on the 
south-east angle of the town. Now, the word 
"angle" proves that that was the extreme 
point of two sides, being at the point where 
two lines intersect each other. 

He then says, Any one standing at the out* 
er side of Land Gate, and looking in a straight 
line under the centre of the arch, will per- 
ceive that the line runs south of the bathing- 
house, and here, according to tradition, ran 
a street parallel with the eastern wall. 

When this gate was built, most likely the 
-cliff* extended much farther than at present, 
as the said gate indicates ; but to say that it 
was walled in to the Fish-market, is an idea, 
which appears to me, not connected in the 
least with any reasonable conjecture ; for 
had it been defended by a massive stone 
wall, the same as on the opposite side, some 
remains of the same would, I think, be 
traceable. 

The cliff, I should say, with the addition 
of a little earthwork, the same as Winchel- 
sea was defended with, was the only defence 
on the sea-side. The wall, on the land-side, 
was built in consequence of the sea receding, 
leaving that part undefended. 



22 

Opinions against facts are no more than 
shadows compared to substances ; but, when 
facts are wanted opinions will rise, and, if 
argued consistently, will have more or less 
weight. 

Mr. Holloway grounds his arguments, 
that the walled boundary extended to the 
Fish-market, upon Jeake's account, and 
Jeake upon traditionary accounts, thus open- 
ing a wide field of speculation and doubt. 

I think it would not be inconsistent to ad- 
mit that, on entering the Land Gate a road, 
on the left of the present one, bounded by 
the cliff, led to Bad ding's Gate ( named af- 
ter the ancestors of the representative, of 
Rye, in Parliament. This Gate, I have no 
doubt, was of no magnitude, and of no great 
solidity, but merely for convenience to that 
part of the town), then to the Ypress Tower ; 
from thence the rocky cliffs to the Strand 
Gate defended the town ; then a wall, on the 
land-side, reached to the Land Gate, whose 
height was twenty-eight feet, and five feet 
in thickness, with a deep and wide ditch. 
The wall is still visible in many places, 
in which is a building, of a semicircular form, 



23 

facing the Ferry road, supposed to be part 
of a tower, having battlements. 

Near the Strand two cottages were erected, 
in 1855, named the Town Wall Cottages, on 
the site of the Town Wall, which required 
the greatest exertion possible to remove it, 
from its long unmolested position, as the 
stones and mortar were so united. How very 
different now. Our modern builders have 
more consideration for posterity since u Con- 
tract" has been introduced, as there will be 
no trouble to remove, in future, any building 
now erected. 

At the bottom of Jarrett's yard, in 1683, 
there were stairs over the wall by which per- 
sons ascended and descended. It appears 
those steps were superseded by a doorway 
being made in the said wall, through which, 
I have heard the old inhabitants say they 
have often passed. 

At the bottom of Conduit Hill was a Pos- 
tern Gate, which was removed in 1736; but, 
in 1690, there were two or more, for an order 
was issued, by the Chamberlain, to repair 
the " postern gates." Now, admitting there 
was only one more, where did it stand ? is 



24 

the question which naturally follows. Most 
probably it was facing the Ferry Road, near 
the semicircular building, as that was the en- 
trance to Rye from Winchelsea and Udi- 
more ; and the other entrance from Peas- 
marsh was opposite the gate at Conduit Hill. 

The walling commenced in 1194, as a 
grant from Richard I was obtained, which 
runs thus, " That the Barons, the Mayor, 
and Commonalty of the town of Rye, have 
undertaken to inclose and strengthen our 
said town with a wall of stone and lime in 
all necessary places, within three years, un- 
der a penalty of one hundred pounds." Then, 
in the reign of Edward III and Richard II, 
walling and repairing were done. 

The circumference of the town is, by 
Jeake's account, 447 1J feet. 

Mr. Holloway's account is 46J8£ feet, 
about seven furlongs. 

The length, from Land Gate to where the 
Strand Gate stood, is about 630 yards. 

Having described the boundaries of the 
town, I shall endeavour to describe its inte- 
rior. 

On entering the town, at the eastern part, 



you pass through the ancient Gateway of the 
Land Gate Tower ; which, in the reign of 
Henry VII, was called the " Royal Gate." It 
has a round tower on either side, nearly fifty 
feet in height. On the top are loopholes for 
the discharge of arrows, and towards the 
lower part are embrasures for cannon. It 
formerly had its portcullis, and its gates 
were studded with nails. The gates were 
removed in 1760. The interior is nearly de- 
molished, yet it is worth the inspection of 
the curious. 

On the right is Turkey Cock Lane, which, 
it is said, was named in consequence of a le* 
gendary tale ; which tale is as true and as 
strange as any one similarly told. 

The two leading characters are a Monk, 
named Cantator, and an amiable and accom- 
plished damsel, named Amanda. 

Cantator was a monk of the Monastery in 
Conduit Hill. Amanda was the daughter of 
one Mr. Marshe, then residing in, what is 
called, the Old House, within Land Gate; 
whose garden was a delightful spot, adjoin- 
ing the Monastery. Here the flame of love 
was kindled ! yet, it was a sin to love her, 
and a sin for her to love him. 



26 

Cantator was young and of a fine stature, 
possessing a fine voice for singing ; who sang, 
as it was said, " divinely," and who appeared 
to the maiden nearly divine himself. But 
there was one, who, no doubt, had felt the 
pangs of restrained love, which a monk's 
vow forced upon him, who watched the love- 
sick pair. 

On one summer's eve this loving couple 
absconded. A bloodhound was soon put on 
their track. The old monk, with the hound, 
pursued the fugitives and overtook them. 
Cantator was doomed, by his inexorable 
judges (priests), to be buried alive, which 
decree was carried into execution, outside 
of the walls of the town. The love-sick maid- 
en shortly after died, and was buried near 
to her lover. 

At the ghost-seeing hours, when the pale 
moon-beams shed their dim light amongst the 
trees, the spot where she often listened to the 
heavenly strains of Cantator resounding in 
the sacred edifice, and dying amidst the 
trees in her father's garden, her ghost, it is 
said, was often seen ; and the last visit, chro- 
nicled by haunted tradition, says, she was 



27 

seen passing down East Cliff, turning down 
Turkey Cock Lane, and then disappearing 
for ever. 

Cantator's ghost was a turkey cock, whose 
singing was turned into the gobbling of this 
noted fowl, as a punishment for having bro- 
ken his vow. This fowl was often seen in the 
lane, which runs from the Tower to the bot- 
tom of Conduit Hill, and from which circum- 
stance it is called Turkey Cock Lane. 

Where the burying place of the monk and 
maiden was, neither history nor tradition has 
ever pointed out. 

When the railway excavations were in 
progress two skeletons were found but a few 
yards apart, near to the brick bridge ; those 
skeletons are supposed, by some who are 
famous for supposing, to be the remains of 
those unfortunate lovers. 

A short distance from Turkey Ceck Lane, 
on the left, is the harbour, appearing like 
scenes in the display of dissolving views. 
There are trading vessels, fishing smacks, 
barges, and boats going up and down the 
same ; the green and fertile marshes, stretch- 
ing out on either side, studded with the fa- 



28 

mous Romney Marsh sheep; the Harbour 
Church in the distance, together with the 
English channel, present a picturesque view 
of no small delight to the beholder. 

You then pass up East Cliff, into High 
street, on the right is Conduit Hill, in which 
stands what is called the Old Chapel, which 
was built in some early date, for it was new 
roofed in 1524 and again in 1824. These dates 
will give some idea as to its antiquity. It is 
supposed that it was for the Friars, who 
were originally hermits, and was dissolved 
by Henry VIII, who hated the Pope for be- 
ing consistent. 

Within a century it has been metamor- 
phosised into various uses. It has been used 
as a theatre, a malthouse> a barrack, a butter 
and cheese warehouse, and now a store for 
wool. The Archaiological meeting was held 
there in 1855. 

In 1762 several skeletons were found in- 
terred in an upright position. If this was to 
represent that they lived uprightly, and if 
such custom prevailed now a-days, few, I 
think, would be found eligible for such an 
interment. In 1826 many more were dug up, 



29 

within the Chapel, in consequence of the 
floor being lowered several feet. Each skele- 
ton appeared to be wrapped in woollen, and 
from each grave flowed a quantity of dark 
coloured water. The bones were indiscrimi^ 
nately thrown in a lump; and, with the ex- 
ception of a scull or two, were buried near 
the building. 

Returning to the High street on the left, 
is East street, passing on, along High street, 
on the left is Lion street, opposite to which 
is a Free School, a substantial brick built 
building erected in 1636, by Thomas Pea- 
cock, Esq., Jurat. It consists of a lower and 
upper room, over which is a Sun-dial, a gift 
of Colonel De Lacy Evans, when a member 
for Rye, with the following inscription : 

That solar shadow, as measures life, 
It life resembles too. 

Passing on, on the right is Jarrett's Yard, 
in which the Cattle Market has been held for 
forty years ; previous to this it was held at 
Peasmarsh. This market was closed on Sep- 
tember 7th, 1859, and the new one opened on 
the 21st following. 



30 

Continuing along the High street, on the 
left is Middle street. You now enter Mint 
street, so called in consequence of an office 
being there in which, it is said, money was 
coined, of which a specimen, about the size 
of a farthing, is now extant. It has on one 
side a ship^under full sail, around which are 
" For y e Corporation." On the other side the 
church, with these words and date, "Of 
Rye. 1663." It is made of mixed metals. 

At the end of Mint street is the spot where 

Strand Gate once stood. About 1815 it was 

removed, being in a ruinous state, as only 

half of the arch remained. 

— " The arch that long had stood 
The crush of thunder and the warring winds, 
Shook by the slow but sure destroyer Time, 
Now hangs in doubtful ruins o'er its base." 

There is, in the adjoining wall, a carved 
stone, which was removed from the centre 
of the arch, bearing the Cinque Ports' Arms. 

At this end, says Mr. Holloway, the wall, 
for about eighty feet up the street had seve- 
ral arches, and at the lower part several feet 
below the surface of the ground, are some, 
into which the sea must have flowed ; but 
for what purpose they were for is not known. 



31 

In 1854, a steam-mill was erected near this 
spot ; and, in sinking a well, I was informed, 
a large stone post or column, with a half- 
round cap, was in the side of the well, near- 
ly at the bottom, but the water flowing in 
prevented its removal. This is also misteri- 
ous. For what purpose, and when it was put 
there, must, like the above, be very conjec- 
tural. 

On the left is Mermaid street, generally 
called Strand Hill, which Mr. Holloway 
says, was formerly the principle street in the 
town, and continued, in a straight course, 
into Market street. No doubt but that it con- 
tinued nearly in a straight course to Land 
Gate. The Rev. J. Wesley does not speak so 
flatteringly, he says, in his diary, the descent, 
going out of the town, was near as steep as 
the ridge of a house. A few years ago this 
street was lowered, and made accessible for 
horses and carts to go up and down. 

On the right, going up, is the Baptist Cha- 
pel. On this site once stood the Quakers' 
Meeting-house, which was purchased by the 
Baptists, who erected the present chapel. 

The Baptists, previous to the purchase of 



32 

the said Meeting-house, had formed a church 
or society, and the following are the names 
of the ministers ordained from that time : 

1750. The Rev. Charles Rogers. 

1760. The Rev. Morgan Edwards. 

1767. The Rev. Thomas Purdy. 

1811. The Rev. James Rees. 

1821. The Rev. Andrew Smith. 

1852. The Rev. Thomas Wall. 
Adjoining the chapel is a school, formerly 
an old building; purchased and altered by 
a few Christian friends, who voluntarily sub- 
scribed to defray the purchase and alterati- 
on thereof. Here the Rev. T. Wall teaches 
gratuitously ; a man who has taken more 
pains to educate the children of the poor, 
than any person ever known in Rye. In the 
winter evenings he gives instruction to a- 
dults, with patience and kindness far sur- 
passing any praise that can be described. 

Opposite is an ancient building, called the 
Old Hospital, it being used for that purpose 
in the late war with France, which was once 
the residence of the Jeakeses, a family of 
note, and supposed to be at that time one of 
the finest houses in the town. 



38 

Nearly at the top, on the left, is a passage 
called Mermaid Passage, the house above 
being once an Inn, named the Mermaid* 
supposed to be the first ever opened in the 
town. 

At the top is Middle street ; on the right, 
in the corner facing towards the church, is 
a fine old house where King George I, and 
more particularly George II, who was enter- 
tained by James Lamb, Esq., Mayor. The 
rooms which were occupied by his Majesty, 
George II, are called after his name. 

Passing on, you come to that stately edifice 

the church, one of the largest in England, 

and well worth the notice of any one. Jeake 

says, It is the godliest edifice of that kind 

in Kent and Sussex, the cathedrals excepted. 

Large is the church, and ancient too, 
To it how many do repair ; 
Small is the closet where prayer's made, 
And few there are who enter there. 

The date of this church is unknown, but it 
is generally admitted to be in the twelfth 
century. It has three chancels ; the south 
has been used as a factory, to employ the in- 
mates of the old workhouse, then as a soup 



34 

kitchen, now as a school. In the north chan- 
cel the fire engines are kept ; it is, also, used 
as a depot for lumber. In this chancel is a 
grave stone, on which were several brass 
figures representing a father and mother and 
seven children, all of whom, tradition says, 
died of the plague. The middle chancel 
is used for worship, in which is the commu- 
nion table, made of mahogany, and exquisi- 
tely carved. It is said it was taken by one 
of the Rye privateers, from a Spanish ves- 
sel. Also, that it was taken in the Spanish 
Armada, and given by Queen Elizabeth to 
the church. 

On the south side of the church is the ves- 
try, which, in the reign of Elizabeth, was 
used as a powder magazine ; after that it 
was converted into a repository for those 
who died belonging to the Lamb family. 

On Saturday, July the 25th, 1TT5, the bel- 
fry was graced with eight new bells (the old 
ones were recast and two new ones added), 
and the expense of which was defrayed by 
Thomas Lamb, Esq. Around the lip of the 
bells ate cast the following vfcrses: 



85 

1st. Bell. If you have a judicious ear, 

You'll own my voice is sweet and clear* 

2nd. If you have a judicious ear, 

You'll own my voice is sweet and clear. 

3rd. While thus we join in cheerful sound, 

May love and loyalty abound. 

4th. Such wondrous power to music's given,, 

It elevates the soul to heaven. 

5th. Ye people all who hear me ring, 

Be faithful to your God and king. 

6th. Peace and good neighbourhood. 

7th. Ye ringers all, who prize 

Your health and happiness. 
Be sober, merry, wise, 
And you'll the same possess. 

8th. In wedlock^ band all ye who join, 

With hands and hearts unite ; 
So shall our tuneful tongues combine 
To laud the^nuptial rite. 

In the belfry are the following rules, in 
Terse, respecting fines. 

This is a belfry that is free 
For all those men that civil be : 
And if you please to chime or ring, 
It is a very pleasing thing. 
There is no music play'd or sung 
Like unto bells when they're well rung* 
Then ring your bells well, if you can : 
Silence is best for every man ; 
But if you ring in spur or hat, 
Sixpence you pay ( be sure of that ) ; 
And if a bell you overthrow, 
Must pay a groat before you go* 



36 

The following verses were composed by 
Richard Fuller, an old ringer : 

Farewell, ye ringers all, adieu ! 
I can enjoy no more of you : 
My time is hasting fast away, 
For I am going to decay : 
And so are you, 'tis known full well, 
For oft we hear the passing bell. 
Then think of death, my friends, I say, 
How soon we may be call'd away ! 
If unprepar'd— oh, dismal fate ! 
Let us repent ere His too late ; 
And to the Lord for mercy call, 
That he may save and bless us all. 

The vicar is the Rev. Henry Cooper, a 
person far different from many of the clergy, 
not a tyrant, but a quiet and well disposed 
man. 

It is somewhat curious as to the professi- 
ons of the churchwardens. The parishioners 
have chosen, for their warden, a Pawn-bro- 
ker; not withstanding Ezekiel said, He that 
hath given forth upon usury, and have taken 
increase, shall not live. 

The vicar has chosen, for his warden, a 
Lawyer ; notwithstanding the denunciation 
of Christ who said, Woe unto ye lawyers ! 
for ye lade men with burdens grevious to be 



37 

borne, and ye yourselves touch not the bur* 
den with one of your fingers. 

Here are two callings or professions the 
most obnoxious and oppressive of all ; one 
will ruin the poor, the other will plunder the 
rich. 

But after all, the following remarks speak 
volumes. The parishioners' churchwarden 
W. H. Chaterton (Mayor), has been chosen 
twenty-two consecutive years. 

Of the vicar's churchwarden ( G. S. But- 
ler), it can be said no lawyer can boast of 
being more honest than he is. The following 
epitaph might very appropriately be placed 
upon his tomb : 

Say what yoa will, do what you can, 
This Lawyer was an honest man. 

What would the celebrated John Smeaton, 
the founder of Eddystone lighthouse, have 
said on seeing such an inscription? who 
begged of his father not to make him a law- 
yer; for, said he, I cannot think that they 
are, or can be, honest men. 

In the church accounts are the following 
items : 



38 

1548 Paid for 2 Bibles I & 

1549 Paid for 2 chains, 1 for the Bible 10 

It appears in those days the Bible was 
chained up, so that persons might go into the 
church and read ; and to prevent it being 
borrowed the above method was resorted to* 
How widely different in this enlightened 
age ; no chain is required now, for Bibles, 
may be seen in grocers' shops as waste pa- 
per, in public houses as pipe lights. 

Expended, for cleansing the church from Popery 

1 13 4 
One more item would make it complete, 
Cleansing the church from " Corruption." 
The churchyard is nearly enclosed with, 
trees, which, in the summer, have a pleasing 
appearance. It is thickly studded with tomb 
stones and the dates and episodes inscribed 
thereon are, by the hand of time, fast ap- 
proaching to indistinctness. 

Facing Lion street is the Church Clock, 
supposed to be tlie oldest, now going, in 
England. Its pendulum is eighteen feet in 
length, which is the longest in the kingdom. 
It has two statues, one on each side of the 
dial, each with a hammer, called Quarter 



39 

Boys, who strike once each for a quarter- 
past, two each for half-past, and three each 
for three-quarters-past every hour ; but like 
all boys they are playful, and do not attend 
to their duty, for sometimes they deceive 
the public by giving a false announcement 
of the time. 

It is said, that this clock was taken from 
the Spanish Armada, and presented to the 
town by Queen Elizabeth, but there is no re- 
cord that gives the slightest proof of that e- 
ver having been the case. 

Passing on, you arrive at the top of Lion 
street, on the right is Market street, in which 
stands the Court Hail, where justice is, some- 
times, administered according to political 
circumstances or position in life, for a small 
amount of evidence from an influential per- 
son goes much farther than double the a- 
mount from one who is, unfortunately, poor ; 
that is, different justice to different people. 
Here law is plentiful, and that of the high- 
est price. 

Dear things are cheapest in the end, 

At least so many say, 
If you are summon'd to this court 

Then you will dearly pay. 



40 

Get drunk in town, kick up a row, 

Five shillings, and no more ; 
But if you do the same in Rye, 

You'll have to pay a score. 

It was built in 1742, on the site of a former 
one. It is a neat and pretty looking building. 
The lower part is used as a market for meat, 
vegetables, &c. The next story is where the 
Quarter and Petty Sessions, and County 
Court, and all Corporation meetings are 
held ; also various public meetings. There 
is a small room above, in the roof, used by 
the Recorder to robe himself, and by the 
grand and petty juries. In this story is the 
skull of John Breeds, butcher, who murder- 
ed Mr. Grebble, on the 17th of March, 1742, 
supposing him to have been Mr. T. Lamb. It 
ippears that Mr. Lamb was expected to pass 
hrough the churchyard, on his way to the 
Fish-market, to see a few friends on board 
i craft ready for sea. Mr. Grebble, passing 
through the churchyard at the time, was, 
infortunately for him, mistook for Mr. Lamb 
by Breeds, and stabbed. Breeds was soon 
afterwards taken, tried, convicted, and exe- 
cuted in Rye (hung in chains), and all that 



41 

remains of him is his skull, with part of the 
irons in which he was hung. 

On the right is Pump street. The corner 
house on the left was formerly an Inn, the 
second one ever here* called the Old Flush- 
ing, a noted house, in noted times, for « noted 
people " (smugglers). On the right is the re- 
servoir of water, forced into the same from 
the Pump-house, and is considered to be a 
fine piece of masonry. 

Passing on, you come to what is called 
the Gun -garden, where it is supposed, stood 
the Church in olden times. Several skeletons* 
at different times* have been disinterred in 
its vicinity. 

On the left, adjoining the Wesleyan Cha- 
pel, is a wall, facing WatchbelL street, in 
which, Mr. Holloway says, stood Badding's 
Gate. 

The Wesleyan Chapel is a neat brick 
building, built in 1814, on the site of a for- 
mer one, which was opened on Wednesday, 
January 28th, 1789, by the great apostle* 
John Wesley. 

In 1845 two school-rooms, adjoining the 
Chapel* were added* 



42 

To give a correct list of the preachers from 
the commencement of Methodism in this 
town would be somewhat difficult, as they are 
continually coming and going ; many of 
whom are not of the first class, for it is an 
old saying, " Any thing will do for Rye." In 
fact, many of them show as great a desire 
for the " Loaves and Fishes," and are as 
great tyrants, as any church minister. Me- 
thodism, now-a-days, is lost to its pristine 
state; like unto copper-plate engraving, it 
produces the best impression first. To sub- 
stantiate my ideas, I quote the remarks of one 
of the leading men of the country, Lord John 
Russell, who, in a work recently published by 
him, says, " Could the Methodists indeed be 
invested, by some revolution, with the ab- 
solute power which Rome once possessed, 
there is reason to fear, that, unless checked 
by the genius of a more humane age, the 
Conference would equal Rome itself in the 
spirit of persecution." 

There were two> belonging to this circuit 
deserving the highest esteem of all. The Rev. 
James Mole, though not an eloquent preach- 
er, was kind hearted, and deserving of the 



43 

appellation of " Good " to be attached to his 
name. Also, the Rev. Thomas Twiddy, one 
who was different from mankind, generally, 
for he did not respect a man because he was 
rich, nor did he despise a man because he 
was poor. Rare character this. 

Adjoining the chapel is the Gunner's bar* 
rack, built on a waste called the Old Church 
Yard. Near tills spot several skeletons have 
been exhumed. 

Farther on, is the Ypres Tower, built by 
William <Je Ypres, Earl of Kent, in the reign 
of Stephen, between the years 1135 and 
1154, and is in good preservation. It is a 
quadrangular building, with a round tower 
at each corner. There are two rooms, one 
above the other, about fifteen feet square. 
There is a door in each tower, and formerly 
might have been stairs in each communica- 
ting with the room above ; but now only a 
part is visible. 

This tower was finally purchased by the 
Corporation of Rye, and used as a gaol. 
Previous to this the gaol was in the Watch* 
foeil street. 



44 

In 1837 a new part was added to the a- 
bove, as the former one was not in accor- 
dance with an Act of Parliament, which 
compelled all Corporated towns to provide 
safe custody for prisoners. 

Facing, is the battery. In 1569 it was fur- 
nished with cannon. In 1649 it was a bowl- 
ing-green, after that it was furnished again 
with cannon, an4 in 1819 it was stripped a- 
gain ; since then it has been let as garden 
ground. In 1855 Government took it and 
made great alterations. In 1859 it was fur- 
nished again with cannon, and, in 1861 
they were fired, to commemorate the Duch- 
ess of Kent's funeral. 

Opposite the chapel is Badding street, now 
called Watchbell street. This street ran the 
length of the churchyard, and nearly at the 
end is the gable end of the oldest house in 
the town ; supposed to have been, originally, 
a place of worship, by its large stone arched 
window, and being built of stone, as, in anci- 
ent times houses were built of wood. 

At the end of the churchyard commences 
Watchbell street. Here, in ancient times, a 
bell was rung, to arouse the inhabitants on 



45 

the approach of an enemy, or in case of e- 

mergency ; through this, no doubt, it gained 

its present name. 

On the right, you come to the Independent 

Chape], small and commodious, built in 1817. 

The following are the names of the ministers 

ordained from time to time, 

1817. The Rev. George Tod hunter. 

1822. The Rev. Mark Noble. 

1825. The Rev. John Wood. 

1832. The Rev. John Thomas Willmore. 

1843. The Rev. William Knight. 

1846. The Rev. David Samuel Jenkins. 

1851. The Rev. John Thomas Willmore. 

This chapel was built in consequence of a 
schism, ordained or not ordained, which a- 
rose amongst the Baptists. There were the 
Purdyites and the Reesites, between each 
of whom existed more ill-feeling than Chris- 
tian love. After the death of the Rev. Thos. 
Purdy this chapel was built, and the Inde- 
pendents formed into a collective body. 

During the Rev. J. T. Willmore's ministry, 
a division amongst his flock took place, and 
he was dismissed. In 1844 a chapel was built 
for him at the foot of Rye Hill. After that, 
the chapel in Watchbell street was sold, and 



46 

the Rev. J. T. Willmore became the pur- 
chaser; and in 1851 he triumphantly mount- 
ed the Independent pulpit, an independent 
man, fearing not his religious foes. 

At the end of this street is, what is called, 
the Green, once West Cliff, then Watchbell 
Hill. In former times there were two bat- 
teries of brass cannon here, which were re- 
moved about the year H9S, and five24-poun- 
ders, which were taken at the battle of Cam- 
perdown, were placed in their stead. Three 
were on the left, and two on the right, a lit- 
tle lower down, where there is a one storey 
dwelling, formerly the Independent Sunday 
School. 

From this point there is a splendid view. 
Here, the mind wandering back into ages 
past, presents to the imagination Camber 
Castle undemolished, and well garrisoned. 
The Cinque Ports' Navy riding proudly in 
the Channel. Again, and you may imagine 
the mighty sea, in its tempestuous fury, swal- 
lowing up Old Winchelsea; which, history 
says, stood where the billows now unmoles- 
ted roll. From this same point is a splendid 
view of the Harbour, of Dungeness Bay and 



47 

Lighthouse (lit by electricity), of the Mar- 
tellow Towers, the Military Canal, the town 
of Winchelsea, and a great expanse of coun- 
try; and, as in advertising phraseology, the 
sights are " too numerous to mention ;" or, 
as the poet says, 

Ten thousand landscapes open to the view, 
For ever pleasing and for ever new. 

On the right is a narrow road called the 
Trader Passage ; a short distance down, on 
the right, is the Baptist burial ground. This 
passage leads to the place where once stood 
Strand Gate. 

There is one thing very remarkable in this 
town. In the Summer most of the streets are 
covered with grass, and many of the inhabi- 
tants are busily employed in salting and 
brining the same ; so that a stranger might 
readily suppose the town was about to be 
pickled. But, after all, 

Luxuriant the grass it does grow, 
In the streets 'tis just like a mat ; 
And where is a town like old Rye, 
In front of each house a grass plat ? 

E'en chickweed and groundsel for birds, 
And thistles for rabbits as well, 
In the streets of Rye may be found, 
Where is there a town can excel I 



48 

The gay dandelion is there, 
Which children, when yonng, they all dread, 
They think if they gather that flow'r 
They surely shall water their bed. 

The daisy, that fring'd pretty flow'r, 
The buttercup too may be seen ; 
Although the grass grows in the streets 
There's no town so neat and so clean, 

For in dry weather the streets are not dusty, 

and in wet never dirty. 

Thus ends my description of the interior 
of Rye, and begins that of the suburbs and 
places adjacent. 

Opposite is the Strand Quay, and on the 
right you pass the Strand pump and reser- 
voir ; farther on, on the left, are two roads. 
The first is to Winchelsea, a short distance 
on, on the left, is the Custom-house, and on 
the right is the Gas-house, then the Tilling- 
ham Sluice. About one hundred yards dis- 
tance, nearly opposite the mill, in the centre 
of the river, is the spot where Breeds, the 
murderer, was gibbetted. In making a new 
cut the gibbet was taken down. Farther on 
is one, out of the many, of the Martello Tow- 
ers, which stud this part of the Sussex Coast. 
Enormous sums of money were expended on 
the construction of these Towers. They are 



49 

built of bricks, are from five to eight feet 
thick, their foundations are laid at a great 
depth, which are vaulted, with the convexity 
downward, forming a reservoir for water. In 
the centre is a pillar, from which springs an 
arch abutted by the outward wall, which is 
considered to be bomb-proof. On the top was 
a 21-pounder, mounted on a traversing car- 
riage, capable of being pointed in any direc- 
tion. This tower is encircled by a deep moat, 
over which is a drawbridge. 

Here is one part of the Military Canal, 
sixty feet wide, of a zigzag course, with em- 
brasures at angles for cannon, with a breast- 
work, reaching to Cliff-end, about seven 
miles westward. 

Three miles onward is Winchelsea, which 
in former times the sea flowed up to and be- 
yond, and the communication to it, from Rye, 
was over the Ferry leading to Udimore. It 
was built soon after the destruction of old 
Winchelsea; one hundred and fifty acres 
were assigned for it. It had thirty nine 
squares, called quarters, after the manner of 
old Winchelsea, with three Churches, St. 
Giles, St. Leonard, and St. Thomas the A- 



50 

postle. The latter is now used as the place of 
worship by the parishioners. It is a large and 
grand looking building, nearly covered with 
ivy, which gives it a solemn and majestic 
appearance. 

There is only one chapel (Wesleyan). 

In the church are several monuments of 
Knights Templar, Monks, &c. The middle 
aisle is long and spacious, and is worth in- 
spection. 

At the corner of the churchyard, leading 
to the Friary, stood a square lower, detached 
from the church, supposed to have contained 
the bells. Being dangerous, it was taken 
down some years ago, and used at the en- 
trance of Rye harbour. 

Some ruins of the Friary are still remain- 
ing. The choir of the chapel forms the great- 
est part of this ancient pile. 

There were, according to tradition, fifteen 
churches and chapels. The gable ends and 
remains of several are discoverable. 

This town, when in full population, must 
have been of some elegance and note ; but 
through pestilence and war, the dissolution 
of the religious houses, and the sea retiring, 



51 

was the ruin of Winchelsea. The great im* 
portance by which it was held is lost, having, 
through a train of events, become of no im- 
portance at all; it has, therefore, dwindled 
down to a place of little note ; but still its 
ancient grandeur is traceable in many places. 
Queen Elizabeth, when on a visit, called it 
Little London ; but the Rev. J. Wesley, in 
1790, says, in his diary, I went over to that 
poor skeleton of ancient Winchelsea. 

Winchelsea was a place of note, 

A London to be sure ; 
Bat now 'tis but a skeleton, 

A town once rich, now poor. 

Its boasting days are now no more, 
For time has changed the scene ; 

That skeleton of Winchelsea 
Shows proudly what its been. 

It is something like poor people, who having 
a desire to appear great, talk of their rich 
ancestors. 

There was once but three approaches to 
the town, and each was fortified by a gate, 
and each gate-way is now standing. Pipe- 
well, leading to Udimore; Newgate, leading 
to Pett, without stood the Holy Cross of 
Winchelsea ; and Strand Gate, leading now 
to Rye. The road to Icklesham led only to a 
wharf or dock, at the bottom of the hill. 



From the last mentioned gate is a splendid 
Tiew, particularly of the bay, which presents 
a constantly moving panorama. 

Some say, there was no other defence but 
the three gates, for as long as the surround- 
ing level was overflowed by the sea they 
were all that was required. There is not the 
smallest vestage of any wall discernable- 
Some say, that the wall is traceable. It is 
plain that there never was a wall of any mag- 
nitude or solidity such as that at Rye; but 
there might have been a wall of earth or of 
some other temporary material. 

It has a Jail, and over it is the Town Hall, 
a building of no taste or design. There is no 
display of architectural science, in fact it is 
no ornament whatever. 

About fifty-five yards from the corner of the 
churchyard, opposiie the jail, on the Hast- 
ings road, stands the noted ash tree, under 
which Mr. Wesley preached his last out- 
door sermon, on October the 1th, 1790. 

It has two Inns, the Castle and New Inn ; 
Richard Osborne was « Governor " of the 
said "Castle" nearty forty-five years, a man 
highly respected, who kept it up to 1861. 



53 

There was formerly a Market for Cattle, 
kept on a spot known by the name of Mon- 
day's Market. 

Many years since here was a manufactory 
of Cambrick, and afterwards of Crape, which 
occupied a great part of the first square, call- 
ed Barrack Square, on the right, when pass- 
ing through Strand Gate. 

In ancient times ships were repaired here- 
Shipwrights were paid, at those times, from 
4d. to 6d. per day, Sawyers 5d , and La- 
bourers 3d. 

There is an Annual Fair, once for Stock, 
now nearly forsaken. It is a noted day to 
sow French beans. 

There are two Benefit Societies ; one at the 
Castle, established in 1839 ; the other at the 
New Inn, established in 1859. 

It is noted for capacious cellars, where, in 
olden times, merchants stored wine, it being 
then a chief port for that commodity. 

The Town Well is 112 feet deep, the ex- 
pense of which was defrayed by the liberal- 
ity of Thomas Dawes, Esq. 

Winchelsea formerly sent two members to 
parliament, which right was first exercised 



51 

in the reign of Edward III, but the Reform 
Bill deprived it of that long unmolested pri- 
vilege of sending members to parliament, and 
connected it with Rye in sending one only. 

Although the Reform Bill disfranchised 
Winchelsea to a certain degree, it emanci- 
pated it as well ; for, previous to the passing 
of this bill, Winchelsea was governed by one 
person, who had under his control three 
Freemen, exclusive of a small number of Ju- 
rats ; and, with this triune, the Corporation 
was kept so low that the monopolizing pow- 
er was safe in the hands of the patron. 

The following is the list of Mayors since 
the passing of the Reform Bill. 

1832. William Lipscomb, gent, 

3. George Morant, gent. 

4. Thomas Dawes, gent. 

5. John Tilden, Farmer. 

6. Joseph Ilennah, Wine Merchant. 

7. John Beaumont, gent. 

8. Richard Stileman, gent. 

9. Ditto. 

1840* Thomas Dawes, gent 

1. Richard Stileman, gent. 

2. Thomas Dawes, gent. 

3. Richard Stileman, gent, 

4. Joseph Hennah, geat. 

5. Ditto. 

6. Ditto. 



55 

'1847. Joseph Hennah, gent. 

8. Ditto. 

9. Ditto. 

1850. William Sargent, Miller. 

1. Ditto. 

2. Robert Coker Nash Davis, Doctor 

3. William Longley, Farmer. 

4. Ditto. 

5. Ditto. 

6. Charles Robins, gent. 

7. Ditto. 

8. Robert Curteis Stileman, gent. 

9. Ditto. 

1860. Robert Vaile Skinner, Surgeon. 
1. Charles Robins, gent. 

One thing is remarkable in this town, when 
compared to other towns, and even villages, 
that is, there is no National or Free School, 
no Mechanic or Working Man's Institution, 
no Reading Room, no Library, nothing what- 
ever to improve the mind of either old or 
young. It is called, by many, a dead-and- 
live place. 

At Rye, opposite the Martello Tower, is a 
Sluice, over which arc two roads, the one on 
the right leading to Camber or Winchelsea 
Castle, built, in 1509, by Henry VIII, to pro- 
tect the harbour, on a long narrow neck of 
land projecting from Fairlight Cliff. The 
distance from Rye to the Castle, by land, was 
upwards of six miles, as the road to it was 



56 

by a circuitous route to Winchelsea, and then* 
another roundabout road back to the Castle. 

It has five semicircular Towers and Cur- 
taias, with an inner Tower or Keep. In the 
outer area, that is between the inner Tower 
or Keep and outer walls, are the remains of 
several buildings of various constructions, but 
as to particulars history is silent. The inner 
Tower or Keep had an upper story, the stair- 
case to the same is accessible, although in a 
worn-out state, the materials of which being 
of a very soft nature ; the other, leading to 
the top, is more perfect* but very dangerous 
of access. Twice have I ascended the mossy 
summit of that ancient pile, and can vouch as 
to the danger in ascending and descending. 

Around the outer side of the inner Tower 
or Keep is a vaulted passage, what many call 
subterraneous, its top being on a level with 
the sod, but that was not the case, as in tlue 
outer side of the passage are several aper- 
tures forming openings for doors and wia- 
dows. 1 have seen several very small diamond 
shaped panes of glass with the window-lead 
attached. 



57 

A tradition is handed down that a subter- 
raneous passage extended from this Castle to 
Winchelsea, but not the slightest indication 
of the same has ever been visible. 

This Castle, history says, cost £23,000, a 
small amount it appears when compared to 
what it would now cost, but the value of mo- 
ney was greater then than it is now ; for the 
statute 24, Henry VIII, fixed the pound of 
beef and of pork at one half-penny. 

Grose, an historian, says, this Castle was 
built on the ruins of a more ancient building ; 
but the correctness or the probability of that 
assertion cannot be entertained. 

To see the wanton destruction of this orna- 
mental pile of antiquity must be grevious to 
many. 

Near to the Castle, on the Winchelsea 
side, is the foundation of a stone building. 

Many a gipsy fete and pic-nic party have 
been held here, and the Mayor, Jurats, 
Councilmen, and Burgesses join, annually, 
in a friendly game of cricket. 

The following lines, which refer to Win- 
chelsea, are from an unknown author, receiv- 
ed orally from Mr. S. Lindridge, of Rye, 



58 

who learnt them, from a written copy, when 
a boy. 

Dum vested twilight brings in low'ring night, 
Damp exhalations creep along the dale ; 
The bat, deserted, wheels its lonesome flight, 
And melancholy sighs in every gale. 

Here on this spot where obscene birds of night 
Nestl'd and nod'd and screech'd alternate round; 
Soft music floated once, when with delight 
The distant sailor caught the joyful sound. 

No more the war-like drum sounds o'er these plains,. 
Nor the shrill trumpets pierce the ambient air, 
Where stood the sentinel, there silence reigns, 
And desolation murmurs, " Who comes there!" 

Perhaps, in ancient times where Rother's floods 
Roll'd swift and dreadful by these ruins wild. 
Here, on this very spot some parent stood 
And wept with joy to see her long lost child ; 

Or, whilst the ship the swelling canvas prest, 
And parted lovers faded on the view, 
Here drop'd the tender tear, here heav'd the breast, 
Here wav'd the hand, which gave the last adieu. 

In days of yore, when first these walls arose, 
Many a tender pair, from yonder town, 
Did joyful trip this way at evening's close, 
And by the river's verdant side sit down, 

Conversing tender on their future weal, 

While the lov'd offspring kiss'd the heaving breast 
The tear maternal down the cheeks would steal, 
Like thine Eliza when misfortunes prest. 

Yon grove deserted, ruinous, and wild, 

Whose brown top bows beneath the evening breeze. 

Is now the nurse of fancy's airy child, 

And seems to whisper who it once could please. 



59 

Imaginative paints the flowery bed, 

The brown top'd brow, the soothing air ab^ve, 
Where some fond youth reclin'd his pensive head, 
And spent the hours betwixt the muse and love. 

His shade, me thinks, now stalks majestic by, 
Behold 1 he glides beneath yon mouldering wall ; 
His hand he waves, lo ! now he seems to sigh, 
And thus imagination hears him call. 

IDear youth, whose lovely feet these ruins trod, 
Whose downcast eyes let fall the generous tear, 
Regard not transient life which soon is fled, 
Reflect on .heaven and all the glories there. 

Blessings supreme, beyond the reach of thought, 
Attend the man who often thinks on death.; 
Whose ev*ry ear is oft to judgment brought. 
By faithful conscience e'er he yields his breath. 

Reflection cease, me thinks some voice replies, 
I, solemn thoughts and groaning number hate ; 
Dejected walls and ruins I despise, 
Have me to banqueting and rooms of state. 

In balls and banquets unmolested stray, 
Let me in peace my wayward path pursue, 
In viewing these I see my own decay, 
If walls thus perish I must perish too. 

Rous'd by this thought, reflection sallies forth, 
Through all the paths of life she's trod before, 
Weighs every action, views it spring and growth, 
And what 'twill yield when time shall be no more. 

At the Sluice is a branch of the Rail- 
road, and between six and seven hundred 
yards down, on the right, nearly opposite the 
boundary-stone, in the liberty of Winchel- 
■sea, is the spot where John White killed his 



60 

•wife, in 1858 ; and about ten yards from the 
culvert he put her into the ditch where she 
remained, undiscovered, for three days. He 
was tried at the assizes, and the jury, taking 
a merciful and a just view of the case, gave 
a verdict of manslaughter. He was sentenced 
to be transported for life. 

Farther down are two branches of the Rail- 
road ; the right leads to the new Ballast- 
hole ; the left to the Rail-road Wharf. 

At the Sluice, the road on the left leads to 
the Harbour. In your way thither you pass 
close by the Harbour Church (and a very 
pretty little one it is). The burying ground 
is thickly studded with flowers and shrubs. 
The first stone was laid on March the 29th> 
1849, and the Church was opened on August 
the 29th, 1S50. The Rev. H. B. W. Churton, 
of Icklesham, is Pastor ; a man generally 
respected by the poor, and considered to be 
" worthy of that calling." 

The next is a School, the first stone was 
laid on May the 13th, 1859, over which the 
Coast Guards fired several volleys in honour 
of those liberal and kind-hearted persons 
who had subscribed to so noble a cause. 



61 

The ground on which these two buildings 
stand was given by W. D. Lucas-Shad well, 
Esq. Thanks to him and to the Rev. H. B. 
W. Churton are due from all the inhabitants 
of that locality. 

Opposite is a Brick-yard, opened in 1860, 
where bricks are made by steam, at the rate 
of eighteen per minute. 

Farther on is a very commodious Reading 

Room, built by W. D. Lucas-SIiadwell, Esq., 
in 1860. 

At the extremity of this road is a manu- 
factory for making Blocks of Beach -stones 
and Cement, weighing about four, six, and 
eight tons each, intended for Dover Harbour. 

Just before the close of the last century, 
there was not a house at this spot. The on- 
ly inhabitant was a man, whose name was 
John ; and, that being the case, he was call- 
ed John All- alone. He lived alone, went to 
sea alone, was drowned alone, picked up a- 
lone, and buried alone. 

On the West side of the Harbour is one of 
those Martellow Towers ; and another once 
stood a little farther to the Eastward of the 
present one, which was taken down, in con- 
sequence of the encroachment of the sea. 



62 

From the Pier-head projects a Stone -work, 
Tunning nearly due south, about half-a-mile 
in length ; which was begun about J830, and 
lias been heightened from time to time. 

Opposite the Pier is a spot called the Point, 
-on which stands a Telegraph and Flag-staff, 
intended to apprize those at sea of the depth 
of water in the Harbour. 

The Telegraph is a frame-work of board- 
ing, with two circular shutters, and when 
turned in a vertical position the whole appears 
dark; and when the shutters are canted hori- 
zontally they show two large circles of light, 
and are worked as follows : 

When there are 8 feet of water, One Shutter is canted, 
9 feet, Both Shutters are canted. 

10 feet, a Flag is hoisted. 

1 1 feet, One Shutter is canted. 

12 feet, Both Shutters are canted. 

13 feet, One Flag half up. 

14 feet, One Flag quite up. 

15 feet, Two Flags half up. 

16 feet, Two Flags quite up. 

History gives the following account of the 
Harbour. 

In Oliver Cromwell's time a hundred sail 
of ships could ride in the Harbour, there be- 
ing at the town fifteen feet of water. 



63 

In Charles IPs time a 64-gun ship could 
ride in the Harbour ; now a ship of half that 
size could not obtain an entrance. 

Again, a vessel drawing nine feet of water 
has unloaded at Blackwall, and one of 100 
tons has loaded at Stone. 

The entrance to the Harbour is very nar- 
row, and extremely dangerous at times. In 
case of an invasion it is in an admirable con- 
dition ; for, by sinking a couple of barges, it 
would be like Sebastopol, in the late war, 
which became impassable with its sunken 
ships. 

The management of the Harbour is vested 
in 49 Commissioners, who are chosen for 
life. 12 are from Householders, rated at £10 ; 
12 from Ship-owners, possessing 20 tons ; 12 
from Land -owners ; and the Mayor and 12 
Jurats complete the number. 

It is said, In the multitude of Councillors 
there is wisdom. This, I am sure, cannot ap- 
ply to the multitude of Commissioners. 

The Landholders have always been stren- 
uous in opposing an uninterruption of the 
tide, by erecting sluices, flood-gates, dams, 
and so on, which take away the strength of 



64 

the tides; impeding the influx and reflux of 
the water. In consequence of which the Har- 
bour has been contracted; that is, its channel 
has been narrowed, and its bed has become 
shallow. 

On the East side of the Harbour's mouth 
are a great number of sand hills, called Sand 
Banks. It is considered, by many, to be a 
lovely and secluded spot; much frequented 
by pic-nic parties. These banks were first 
formed by an occupier of the land, named 
Southerden, who brought from Holland a pe- 
culiar grass, called sea-reed or mat- weed, 
which, by continually growing, harbours the 
sand which drifts along the coast, and thus 
prevents the sea from overflowing the adjoin- 
ing land. 

These Banks are, at certain times, covered 
with various flowers and mosses, and are 
plentifully stocked with rabbits. 

Here Historians say, immediately on the 
East side of the East pier, constituting the 
Camber Estate, which is in the parish of St. 
Thomas, Winchelsea, once stood Old Win- 
chelsea; which, in 1287, the great inundati- 
on totally destroyed. 



65 

To strengthen this account it is said, Old 
Winchelsea stood three miles to the south- 
east of the present Winchelsea. This would 
be about the spot alluded to above. 

Tradition says, that the original site of 
Old Winchelsea lies on the sands which are 
never dry, a little to the south-west of Cam- 
ber, and to the south-east of the present pier- 
head. 

It is said, that Old Winchelsea contained 
50 Inns and Taverns, and 700 Householders, 
and was somewhat similar to the present 
Winchelsea when it was first completed, 
having 39 squares or quarters. 

Here 400 sail of the tallest ships of diffe- 
rent nations, it is said, anchored in the Cam- 
ber, near Rye, where sheep and cattle now 
feed. 

In another account, it says, In the month 
of October, in the year 1250, the moon being 
in its prime, the sea passed her accustomed 
bounds, flowing twice without ebbing, and 
making so horrible a noise, that it was heard 
a great way inland. Besides this, at dark 
night, the sea seemed to be on fire and to 
burn, and the waves to beat with one ano- 



66 

ther, insomuch that it was past the mari- 
ners' skill to save their ships. And, to omit 
others, at a place called Hucheburn (proba- 
bly East or Hither-Bourne) three noble and 
famous ships were swallowed up by the vio- 
lent rising of the waves ; and a certain ha- 
ven, eastward, besides cottages for salt, fish- 
ermen's huts, bridges and mills, above three 
hundred houses were also destroyed by the 
rising of the waves. 

This storm and inundation also destroyed 
Broomhill, a town near Old Winchelsea, 
where a vestige of the same still remains ; 
and, also, made the river Rother turn its 
course from Romney to Rye. 

It is very remarkable that in the same 
year corn was so plentiful throughout Eng- 
land, Scotland, and Wales, that a quarter of 
wheat was sold for two shillings. 

The next road from Strand Gate, leads to 
Udimore and Brede. This was one, out of the 
only two roads leading out of Rye in the 
days of yore, called Taylor's Corner. 

Here is the Pole Marsh, the Rail-road run- 
ning through it. It was once a place were 
poles were fixed for fishermen to dry their 



6T 

nets upon, and through that, no doubt, it 
gained its present name. 

In 1833 and 4 a Fair was held here. It 
was anticipated, by its projectors, that it 
would be a great benefit to the town in gene- 
ral ; but* like the mountain in labour, it pro- 
ved to be a failure. This fair, similar to o- 
ther fairs, closed in drunkenness and fight- 
ing, and all the et cseteras that belong to 
dissipation. 

It has, for many years, been used as a? 
sporting field, where many a well -contested 
match of cricket has been decided. 

Here the celebration of the happy and glo- 
rious peace of 1814 took place, which was 
conducted in the following order : 

The Rye Band. 

Two Serjeants with Maces. 
The Mayor, Town Clerk, and the Members 

of the Town on Horseback. 
Jurats and Freemen of the Corporation. 

Gentlemen and Townsmen. 
Proceeded to the accustomed places and pro- 
claimed Peace, the Band playing the Nati- 
onal Anthem after each Proclamation. 



68 

The Dinner consisted of 1800 lbs. of Beef, 
1200 lbs. of Plumpudding, 1200 lbs. of Pota- 
toes, 1600 penny Loaves, 288 gallons of Ta- 
ble Beer, and 384 gallons of Strong Beer. 

There were 32 Tables, each affording ac- 
commodation for 50 persons, placed in a cir- 
cular form, and the Band in the centre play- 
ed during the repast. 

On the evening following a grand display 
of fireworks took place here also. 

From Taylor's Corner commences the Old 
Rope-walk, and a short distance farther on 
the left, is the Rail-road Station. 

Opposite the Old Cattle Market, next to 
the Horse and Groom Inn, behind the house 
now standing, was the Theatre ; it was ta- 
ken down about 1845, and if not it might 
have fallen down in 1846. 

Farther on, on the left, is the New Rope- 
walk, formerly the other entrance into Rye. 
Queen Elizabeth entered the town by this 
route, and passed through the Postern Gate, 
at the bottom of Conduit Hill ; and, being 
well pleased with the respect shown to her 
she called it " Rye Royal." At the end of 
this road is Queen Elizabeth's Well ; from 



69 

tins Well, it is said, she drank, and ever 
since has been called by her name. 

This Well is now walled in, and like many 
other places which were pablie, has become 
private. This, formerly, was every body's, it 
therefore became nobody's, and eventually 
became somebody's. 

On the left is Love Lane, adjoining are the 
Butt Marshes, which, before the use of fire- 
arms, were used for the practice of archery. 
Richard II compelled, by an Act, all ser- 
vants to shoot on Sundays and holidays. 

A bank of earth covered with turf was cal- 
led the butt. 

Passing on from the Old Rope-walk is 
Tower street, the corner house, on the top, 
was once an Inn, called the Galley. 

On the left is Land Gate, a street of shops. 

On the left is a On the right is a 

Draper's Huckster's 
Grocer's Fishmonger's 

Tinman's Green Grocer 
Clothier's Toy Dealer's 
Milliner's Corn Dealer's 
HairDresser Fishmonger's 

There is not a private house in the street. 

At the end of this street is the Rail-road 

Bridge, on the site thereof stood twelve 



Grocer's Public-house 

Baker's Saddler's 

Public-house Butcher's 
Grocer's Baker's 

FrameMaker Blacksmith's 
Grocer's 



70 

bouses, two of which were Almshouses, and 
one was the Lamb Inn. The said houses for- 
med one half of King street ; the other half 
are those which face the side of the bridge. 
In 1851 a Chapel was added to this row 5 
built by Miss Jemima Hilder. The Rev. 
David Samuel Jenkins is the pastor, of whom 
no one speaks ill. 

On the right of the bridge are the Town 
Salts, which were, in 1834, walled in, and, 
by a large meeting of Freemen, were given 
to the town for ever as a sporting field. 

In 1859 there was an end to for ever, for 
the Council let part of the public's right for 
building. 

Previously to the Town Salts being walled 
in they were covered with water at high 
tides, and so were the marshes on either side 
of the harbour. On the east side the water 
flowed from the Harbour's mouth to Guide- 
ford, and beyond Scot's Float Sluice over the 

m 

turnpike leading to the Marsh, and on the 
west side to the wall, near to the Rail-road. 

This overflow, at particular times, such as. 
the equinoctial tides, presented a vast ocean 
in miniature. Boats of every description, and 



71 

even vessels of light draught, were seen 
making direct courses. 

The Town Salts were once the resort of 
donkies, usually denominated the "Land 
Gate Band," which used to feed amongst the 
purslain, which grew luxuriously upon it, 
covering every part. Rapid tides would of- 
ten overflow the same before the instinct of 
the royal animals could be awakened to make 
an escape. In cases like this they would be 
seen huddling together, and as the water in- 
creased that donkey fied manner of keeping 
heads down forsook them, and without the aid 
of bearing-reins their heads became erect, 
like so many volunteers at drill. On some 
occasions the tides have been so high that 
«« heads up " has been of no use, for sink or 
s":im was the only alternative, which often 
raised the risibility of numerous spectators. 

Near the Fish-market are Baths, built in 
1817, by shareholders. In 1855 they were 
raised one story, and turned into dwellings. 

At the Fish-market are two Ferries, the 
one on the right leads to the west side of the 
entrance of the harbour, the left to the other 
side and to Guildford^ a small place, nam- 



72 

ed after the family of Guildfords» for in 
Elizabeth's reign a Thon.as Guildford resid- 
ed at Rolvenden, possessing large property at 
East Guildford, and who had the honour of 
Knighthood conferred upon him by the 
Queen, then on a journey to Rye, stopping 
at his house. 

Guildford is famous for agues, produced, 
no doubt, by the surrounding marshes. This 
village contains six houses only. It has a 
small Church, built in the beginning of the 
sixteenth century, which is remarkably cool 
in the summer, and cold in the winter. 

Here smugglers, like sailors, have found 
the old adage verified, "Any port in a storm." 
About fifty years since, early one Sunday 
morning a large cargo of contraband spirits 
was landed about four miles east of the har- 
bour, the Custom-house officers were on the 
alert, and supposing that they would be con- 
veyed to ft ye, watched every road by which 
they most probably would pass. The smug- 
glers on arriving at Guildford, finding any 
attempt to proceed dangerous, and as day 
was about to dawn, it became necessary to 
stow away their cargo ; accordingly the key 



73 

of the church was procured, and the goods 
safely deposited within its walls. But, it is 
often said, M Troubles never come alone," for 
Divine Service was to be performed that 
morning. After a long consultation it was 
deemed adviseable that the Clerk should 
have a little discourse about it with the Mi- 
nister, and that he was to promise him a cou- 
ple of tubs, to blind or silence him. This of- 
fer produced a smile from the worthy divine, 
and it was proclaimed throughout the village 
and neighbourhood that no duty would be 
performed on that day at church, in conse- 
quence of indisposition of the Minister. 

On the Monday evening following, the 
cargo was safely conveyed into Rye, except 
two for the Minister and two for the Clerk* 

Spirits are strong and -.flesh is weak, 
Oh ! man how strange and odd, 

To think these spirits should nave power 
To blind this man of God. 

Over the Rail-road Bridge at Rye are two 

roads; the one up the hill is the London road? 

at the foot of which is Mountsfield House 

and Grove, once the residence of the Lamb 

family ; now the residence of J. F. Plomley, 

Esq. At the upper part is Dead Man's 



74 

lane, Tradition says, a battle was fought in 
the field above, between the armies of two 
Kings, which is called King's field, and that 
the slain were thrown into the lane and bu- 
ried there. To the latter little or no cre- 
dence is given. 

Opposite this lane is Gallow's bank, the 
place of execution, in the days of yore, so 
stories go. The bank is now enclosed and a 
cottage is built thereon. 

In the Customals of Rye it says, When a- 
ny man was condemned to death he was to 
be executed upon the Saltness, on the east 
side of the town, behind the salt water of the 
same. This bank is on the east side of the 
town and beyond the salt water of the same ; 
but whether it ever was a place of execution 
or not no one can say. An old man, named 
Dengate, hung himself there nearly thirty 
years since. 

Above, on the left, was an Hospital, for 
the support of decayed Freemen and their 
wives, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, but 
not a vestige of it remains, for long since it 
has crumbled into dust, and its benefits lost 
in the vortex of time. 



75 

On the right is a cistern, the water is con- 
veyed from a well, now covered over, on the 
other side of the road (which it is supposed 
belonged to the hospital), not far from the 
boundary stone of the corporation, which 
was closed, some years since, in consequence 
of a Negro being found dead in it. 

Passing on, on the left, is the King's Head 
field where a fair was held formerly, called 
Beggar's Bush fair; but, latterly, Beggar's 
Hill fair, which was held on the first Tues- 
day after Romney Lamb fair. 

In former times a Bull was baited here, 
the last was nearly sixty years ago ; the 
ring, to which he was fastened, remains 
there. 

In 1858 this fair terminated, and thus the 
scenes of dissipation and blackguardism 
dropped, and most probabJy never to rise 
again. 

On the left is the Cemetery, which was o- 
pened in 1855. The foundation stone of the 
Church was laid on September the 7th, 1854* 
by E. H. S. Banks, Esq., Mayor. 

Above is the Union Workhouse, the poor 
man's Prison, built in 1844, 



76 

On the right is a lane leading to Salt- 
Coat, now called New England, the end of 
which was the ferry to Guide ford. 

Farther on is Playden Church, opposite to 
which is a narrow road. Formerly on each 
side were Barracks ; on the right for Infan- 
try, on the left for Calvery. In 1818 they 
were sold and removed. This road leads to 
Leasam House, the residence of Edward 
Barret Curteis, Esq. It is here 

Where the hungry are fed, 
The naked are clothed, 
And no one sent empty away. 

The good qualities of his wife have endeared 
her to tlie hearts of every one ; and let her 
go wherever she may, that woman's kind- 
ness will make fdlgetfulness a crime. The 
following pathetic lines of the poet could ne- 
ver apply to any two more than to the above. 

Whene'er the helpless sons of grief 

In low distress are laid, 
Soft be our hearts their pains to feel, 

And swift our hands to aid. 

Below Playden Church* on the left, is 
Springfield House* the residence of Mr. Je- 
remiah Smith. 

At the Pay-gate, are three roads ; the one 
on the right was the original road to the 



77 

Marsh from Rye. The middle one leads to 
Iden, Wittersham, and Tenterden. The one 
on the left is the London road, nearly two 
miles of which is in the parish of Rye. On 
the right, on this road, is a neat little edi- 
fice, the residence of Thomas Smith Pix, Esq. 
To return to the foot of Rye Hill. On the 
right of the Marsh road, is Bethel Cha- 
pel, a neat and commodious building. The 
doctrine preached there is high Calvin. Mr. 
Boxer was formerly the respected pastor. 
This Chapel belongs to Mrs. Smith of Spring- 
field, who is very desirous of doing good to 
her fellow creatures, in a religious point of 

view. 

There many folks on Sundays meet, 

With motives widely odd ; 
Some go to worship Mrs. Smith, 

And some to worship God. 

On the left is a cliff, presenting a very pic- 
turesque sight ; its sloping banks studded 
with trees and bushes, resort of the feather- 
ed songsters, and mingled with the simple 
notes of the Cuckoo, intermingled with a 
fugue from the dark plumigerous choristers 
of the neighbouring grove, producing a feel- 
ing of delight. And, in the eventide, the fit- 



78 
ful flights of Bats, and the sweet cadences of 
the Nightingale make the spot still more en- 
dearing to reflecting minds. A spot rarely to 
Ibe met with contiguous to a town. 

Farther on are three Almshouses, built by 
the South Eastern Railway Company, in lieu 
of two small ones, which were taken down 
with several other houses, to make room for 
the Rail-road Bridge. This liberal act is wor- 
thy of recording ; for every benevolent deed 
has a double existence ; that is, it produces 
pleasure to the donors as long as they exist, 
and then remains as a monument to their me- 
mories., and an example worthy for others to 
follow. 

Close by is Pollard's Wharf, made by the 
Corporation, and named after the Chamber- 
lain. Here Rye ends and Guldeford begins. 
On the right, near this wharf, is the Rail- 
road Iron Bridge, which works on a pivot, 
and is opened by two men to allow vessels to 
pass. 

A mile farther is Scof s Float Sluice. The 
one previous was built in 1736, and destroy- 
ed in 1830 by the public, in consequence of 
a Decree of the Court of Chancery, the time 
specified having passed. 



79 

From here to Hythe runs a breast-work, 
protected by a quickset hedge. 

About a mile farther is the Military Lock 
and Canal, made for defence in case of inva- 
sion. This Canal runs the whole length of the 
breast-work. Here are four houses, two of 
which are Public houses ( Ordnance Arms, 
and the .Queen and Constitution)^ 

Half-a-mile farther is the boundary of the 
County. The Officers of the Staff erected a 
Column at this junction, in 1806. 

Here once the sea unmolested rolled, ma- 
ny feet in depth, extending from Fairlight 
to Hythe, washing the foot of the hills, which 
are now many miles inland. 

The forest of Anderida is* supposed to have 
been situated in this neighbourhood, the 
Marsh abounding in the remains of trees 
called moor-logs, which some think were 
thrown down by gales of wind ; others, that 
they were washed away by seas or floods 
and deposited in various parts of this bay of 
the sea, and have long since been covered 
by the alluvial deposit which has now be- 
come one of the finest tracts of pasture and 
arable laud in the kingdom. 



so 

In 1859, in sinking an artesian well at the 
T^agle Brewery, Land Gate, a tree or a piece 
of wood was t)ored through, about twelve feet 
from the surface. And when the earth was 
cleared away for the foundation of the 
Bridge, there was coppice wood, very per- 
fect, at the bottom. This proves that the wa- 
ter was once deep round the rock on which 
Rye stands, and that the land must have in- 
creased very much. 

The well above alluded to, after going to 
the depth of 375 feet was discontinued, in 
consequence of the boring implements break- 
ing in the well ; and all endeavors to remove 
them were unavailing. 

Thus ends my brief historical associations 
of Rye and its environs. 



81 

A GUIDE or CAUTION 

For the Pedestrian and Equestrian who may 
visit the Town of Rye. 

On entering the Town, through Land Gate 
Tower, the Pedestrian may feel himself some- 
what annoyed, as the road is paved with 
boulders; and, as many have expressed 
themselves, with the "hard ends " upwards. 
But, Dr. Johnson said, A pebble that paves 
the street is in itself more useful than the 
diamond upon a lady's finger. 

Then hobble on and never mind, 
For what's the use of talking, 

Hurt or not hurt, why, only think, 
On Diamonds you are walking. 

A short distance onwards is a gravelled foot- 
path, which has its advantages as well as its 
disadvantages. Great care is required here, 
as there are often very large holes caused by 
the ground slipping away, so that any person 
might, without the least difficulty, sprain an 
ankle or break a leg. Oftentimes a rail is 
missing, which not only appears dangerous, 
but is so in reality, as any one might fall 
over and perform as many summersets, before 
arriving at the bottom, as any performer ever 



82 

did at Astley's. In rainy weather this path is 
full of puddles; therefore, it is not advisable 
to walk therein, but far preferable to hobble 
on the diamonds. 

At the upper end of this Esplanade com- 
mences the pavement, here due caution is al- 
so required. Visitors are respectfully cauti- 
oned to keep their eyes open, to prevent fall- 
ing or stumbling over the steps projecting on 
the said pavement. Besides these impedi- 
ments, there are a great number of cellar- 
doors opening in the pavement, many of 
which are left open and unguarded. 

In rainy weather it is far preferable to 
walk in the middle of the streets, it being, 
drier and cleaner, as the pavement contains 
an innumerable number of puddles, whilst 
the dripping of the eaves of houses pours co- 
piously upon those who venture beneath. 

The Equestrian must beware of the many 
carts, trucks, wheelbarrows, packages, &c, 
which are permitted to occupy a large space 
of the main street; and he will find it quite 
necessary to drive steady, keep in the mid- 
dle, look both sides at once, and not squint. 



83 
MISCELLANEOUS. 

I now introduce a few subjects which I 
consider would have been a digression had I 
introduced them before, and which would 
have served more to confuse than otherwise ; 
but to omit them altogether would not com- 
plete the History that I intend to publish. 

There were, in ancient times, six Wards 
in which the town was divided ; viz., 

Watchbell and Wish Ward. 

Badding's Ward, 

Middle Street Ward. 

Market Ward. 

Land Gate Ward. 

Strand Gate Ward. 
Watchbell and Wish Ward commenced at 
the south-west corner of the Churchyard, 
along Watchbell street towards the Green, 
and from the foot thereof, without the walls, 
to the Water-house at the bottom of Conduit 
Hill. 

Badding's Ward commenced at the south- 
west corner of the Churchyard, along Bad- 
ding's street (now called Watchbell street) 



84 

to Badding's Gate, close by the Wesleyan 
Chapel. 

Middle Street Ward included Mermaid 
street and Middle street. 

Market Ward included East street, Mar- 
ket street, Lion street, and Church street. 

Land Gate Ward included Land Gate 
without and within, as far as Jarrett's Yard 
on the one side, and Middle street on the 
other. 

Strand Gate Ward extended up the Mint 
to Middle street on the one side, and Jar- 
rett's Yard on the other. 

This method of forming the town into dis- 
tricts is of ancient date ; it was instituted for 
the purpose of keeping " Watch and Ward," 
for in those days there was no garrison 
here, no rapid intercourse by Electric Tele- 
graph to send for aid, no Rail-road to expe- 
dite the conveyance of troops, in conse- 
quence of which it was necessary that a 
system for guarding the town should be a- 
d opted. 

There were four Constables to the six 
Wards, whose duties were to summon a 
Company of twelve persons, every night, to 



m 

watch. Tliere were seventeen Companies*, 
and a Captain to each Company, making a 
total of 221 individuals. 

Every inhabitant, man or woman,. w;is> 
compelled- to watch in turn, armed with mus- 
ket-, sword, powder y and buillet,. or find an 
efficient substitute. 

It appears, tliat Rye has- had visits- of 
Royalty in former days ; viz., 
Edward III and his Queen Philippav iw 186G' 

Henry Yll y in. 1437. Eiizabetli, m 1573. 

Charles, II, in 1613. George I,, in 1125v 

George il y in 1736. 
Rye had a Tumbreal or Docking; Stooley 
for punishing scolding or brawling women 
and other transgressors. How thankful ma- 
ny of the fair daughter* of Eve ought to be 
that they are so highly favoured above those 
in the days of yore, to think that they may 
scold or brawl without being made the 
laughing-stock of hundreds. This stoole was 
placed in shallow water, and the lady who 
occupied that " exalted " but unenvied station 
was sure to receive a sound ducking. 

In 1378 and 1448 Rye was destroyed by 
the French- 



96 

In 1563 a plague broke out in Rye, and i* 
three months nearly 600 persons died. This 
was a great loss, but a few years afterwards 
upwards of 1500 refugees, in consequence of 
a massacre and other troubles having taken 
place in France, fled to Rye for safety, thus 
the inhabitants again increased. 

Now, where's the true bred Englishman ? 

In Rye can he be found ? 
If not, then they ave mongrels, 

The natives of this town. 

It suffered severely by another plague in 
1596, and in 1625. The small-pox raged in 
1634, and '35, and in 1654 and '55. 

Mr. Hoiloway has a curious paragraph 
in page 508, where he says, " In 1656, two 
soldiers on guard at Strand Gate, broke open 
a cellar, and drank so much strong waters as 
made six men dead drunk." Glorious times 
for water-drinkers. 

In 1756 the ditch leading from Land Gate 
to Strand Gate was let on a lease for 1,000 
years, at 21. 12s. Sd. per annum. I know not 
the expense of that lease, but in this great 
reforming age the charge for a seven years' 
lease is about 7/. If charged after this rate, 



87 

tithey, like others now, might justly say, 
" from Lawyers good Lord deliver us." 

Fishermen were once called Rippers, for 
in the Burial Register is written, "1760, 
Richard Fowle, a Ripper." Butchers were 
called Fleshers. 

In 1778 the first Coach started from Rye 
to London, named "The Diligence,," going 
up one day and returning the next! I have 
been informed that in 1790 a Coach started 
from ,the Red Lion Inn Yard. It was of an 
unusual size, with a long wicker-worked 
place behind, for passengers and parcels, 
called the Basket. It was drawn by three 
horses named Peacock, Black, and Robin. 
They were driven unicorn fashion ; Pea- 
cock, though lame, took the lead. It left at 
five o'clock in the morning, affording a fine 
treat in the snowy season to outside passen- 
gers; changed passengers at Tonbridge ; 
and returned at nine o'clock at night, but 
sometimes much later. I wonder what preju- 
dice would say in favour of this mode of tra.- 
velling, when compared to the present- 
About the year 1786, opposite Jarrett's 
Yard, lived a person named Quested, who 



• 88 

had a Horse and Chaise, and on bis sigis 
were the following lines ; 

A Horse and Chaise, 

To go always, 
Whether they're good or bad* 

Besides, I've here, 

I do declare, 
A very careful Lad. 

I have a sign* which has caused many to* 
stop and ponder, it is as follows, 
H. P. CLARK, 
RENOITATS & RETNIRP. 
In the last and the beginning of the present 
century the Crier inflicted corporeal punish- 
ment to the juvenile offenders who were or- 
dered by the Mayor sa to be punished ; and 
I may justly say* 

His strokes, sometimes, were very light, 

Sometimes he made them tell; 
And thus the Crier of the town 

Made others cry as well. 

About this time the Crier was pilot and 
coal-meter ; the maritime interest not being 
on so large a scale as it is now, there being 
only four small' coal vessels. To hear this 
functionary fulfil hi& mission of crier would 
often produce a smile from by-standers, for 
his cry was something of a poetical nature ^ 
"which ran thus,, 



89 

*' O yes ! O yes ! O yes !' 

To be sold at the market-house, 

Soles, plaice, and dabs, 
Rate,, skate, and crabs. 

God save the King !'* 
This loyal way of finishing his cry is now 
discontinued T and much of that bowing and 
courtesying to superiors has fallen into dis- 
use. But Rye is noted for dubbing any one 
as "Esq-.,"' even down to Lawyer's Clerks 
this dignified title is conferred. 

Well, little things, 1 often find, 

Are pleasing to the little tnind ; 

And any who don't here reside, 

And who would wish to keep up pride, 

And if a title should require, 

Why, come to Rye, and be a Square. 

In the early part of the present century a 
few of the inhabitants of Land Gate, who by 
the Corporation were designated "Jacobins," 
what now would be termed Radical Reform- 
ers, by way of derision elected a Mayor for 
that part of the town, and so they continue 
yearly; but not in the same spirit which in- 
duced them at first. Here is an election un- 
sullied ; here is purity; no bidding or obey- 
ing; no pleasing or offending ; no favours 
bestowed or withheld ; no shackling or un« 



90 

♦shackling ; for every voter is as free as fhe 
air he breathes, and "Friendship" is their 
Motto, and Measures, not men, their maxim. 

The Mayor of this honourable constituen- 
cy is a worthy son of St. Crispin, W. Pain, 
Esq., who has held this high station for ma- 
ny years. 

In 1820 there were "but four public houses 
in Rye, the George, Red Lion, London Tra- 
der, and the Queen's Mead, now there are 
twenty-three, beside eight Retailers of Beer 
;and one of Spirits, and scarcely any increase 
<of inhabitants. They are as follows, 

.(Within .the walls.) 
Dolphin, Mint. Red Lion., Lion street. 

Swan, do. Ypres Castle, Gun-garden. 

Old Bell, do. Jolly Sailor, Watchbell st. 

George, High street. Hope & Anchor, Green. 

Union, Easit street. London Trader, Trader Pas 

{Without the walls.) 

•Ship, Strand Quay William the 4th, Rope-wlk 

Pipe Maker's Arms, Wish. Horse & Groom, do. 
Greyhound, do. Cinque Ports' Arms, de, 

Crown, Ferry Road. Tower, Land Gate. 

Queen Adelaide, do. Queen's Head, do. 

Ferry Boat, do. Bedford Arms, Bedford p!L 

Globe, Marsh Road. 

{Foreign of Rye.) 

King's Head. Hare & Hounds. 



9i 

In days of yore 

There were but four, 
^Where you could slake your thirst; 

Now, only think 

Th* increase of drink, 
Which drink must prove a curse, 

For now you see 

We've twenty-three, 
Best times when four would do ; 

Now two Police, 

And crimes increase, 
The Jail made larger too. 

In ancient times 

Few were the crimes, 
All happy, by the by, 

The Jail was small, 

Too large for all, 
And no Police in Rye. 

On November the 29, 1836, a tremendous 
•gale of wind raged with the greatest vio- 
lence ever known here, particularly from a- 
"bout eleven o'clock in the morning till two 
in the afternoon. Chimney-pots aod chim- 
neys were blown down, tiles flew in all di- 
rections, and those who were out looked as 
hares in March are said to look. Upwards of 
a dozen large trees were blown down in the 
Grove, and the country around shared the 
same fate. 

In the same year there was the deepest 
snow ever seen here ; it began on the 24th of 



92 

December, and on the 26th the roads were' 
impassable ; no post for three days, and m> 
coach for a week. For five days seventy men; 
were employed to remove the snow. 

One sight above all was grand, and those 
who saw it can bear testimony to the same. 
From the foot of Rye Hill tathe top, on the 
right, the snow had drifted amazingly high, 
nearly perpendicular, and in such folds, in 
such taste r and in such freaks as to outvie 
all the ingenuity of man; in fact,. the scene 
was sublime, far surpassing any chaste 
sculptile ever yet designed. 

Thousands of sheep were lost in the snow,, 
and many were taken out alive, after being 
under the snow upwards of a fortnight. 

The Mayor formerly used to try prison- 
ers at the Quarter Sessions. The last held 
here before the Mayor* was on October 21, 
1835, after which they were held at Lewes. 

In I83T the Sessions were held here again, 
and presided over by a Barrister, called a 
Recorder, as follows, with a salary of 40L 
per annum, 

1837, Charles Austin, Esq., Q.C. 
1839, Edmund Clark, Esq. 



93 

1842, William Wakefield Attree,Esq. 
1862, Robert Henry Hurst, Esq. 

The Clerk of the Peace, with a salary of 
i£8 8*. per annum, is Mr. G. S. Butler. 

The following is a list of Mayors since the 
passing of the Municipal Corporation Re- 
form Bill. 

1H32, William Philip Lamb, gent. 

3, William Ramsden, Surgeon. 

4, Charles Hicks, Grocer. 

5, Stanes Brocket Brocket, gent, 

6, Charles Hicks, Grocer. 

7, David Manser, Lawyer. 

8, Jeremiah Smith, Farmer. 

9, John Vidler, Merchant. 
1840, Jeremiah Smith, Farmer. 

1, Ditto. 

2, Charles Hicks, Grocer. 

3, Ditto. 

4, Jeremiah Smith, Farmer. 

5, John Vidler, Merchant. 

6, Charles Hicks, Grocer. 

7, Ditto. 

8, Jeremiah Smith, Farmer. 

9, Ditto. 

1850, John Vidler, Merchant. 

1, Edward Henry Sladen Banks, Surgeon. 

2, James Foulis Plomley, Chemist. 

3, Jeremiah Smith, Farmer. 

4, George Edwards, Draper. 

5, Stanes Brocket Brocket, gent. 

6, William Daniel Hoad, Shipwright. 

A man whom pride, that mighty lever, could not 
jnove, as it had others before him. He never forgot, 



94 

or even forsook, his former associates ; although he 
had greater honours conferred upon him than any one 
ever had in that Municipal body. Three times he was 
elected Councilman, and each time at the head of the 
poll; then Alderman; and then immediately after- 
wards Mayor ; and amidst it all, he was the same to 
day as yesterday. 

7, William MacDiarmid, Tailor. 

8, Ditto. 

Has Rye got a Mayor ? 
I can't understand, 
Can a Tailor be one 1 
The ninth part of a man I 

If so, then we have one, 
A case very rare, 
That " a Tailor good Lord/' 
Should ever be Mayor. 

9, George Edwards, Draper. 

1860, William Holt Chatterton, Pawnbroker. 
1, Ditto. 

The Reform Bill deprived Rye of one of 
its Members, and increased its Electoral 
District, by adding Winchelsea, Icklesham, 
Udimore, part of Brede, Peasmarsh, Iden, 
Playden, East Guldeford, and part of Broom- 
hill. This raised the number of votes to 379, 
which were as under : 

Rye 217 Winchelsea 40 Icklesham 29 

Udimore 9 Brede 6 Peasmarsh 32 

lden 25 Playden 15 East Guldeford 6 

In 1838 and 1839 two Steam Packets ran 

between here and Boulogne, but the disad- 



95 

vantages were more numerical than the ad- 
vantages, and the project, therefore, failed. 

These boats were named Windsor Castle 
and Edinburgh Castle, the latter was hired 
by one who was anxious to prevent an insur- 
rection in England, and to raise one in 
France. 

About the year 1839 gas was first used in 
Rye, a circumstance here occurred, showing 
how little stability belongs to some. 

The gas consumers considered that they 
were charged too high, and, therefore, em* 
ployed a person to intercede for them, who 
ultimately proved successful ; and for which 
a handsome present was made. Soon after 
this he was employed by the gas proprietor, 
and then a circular was issued by him that 
the price of gas would be raised. This was 
considered as an imposition on the part of 
the proprietor, and base ingratitude on the 
part of their former friend ; the town, in 
consequence, came to a determination to e- 
rect a gas-house, in shares. To prevent this, 

I the gas-house was offered to the town at a 
price and was accepted; and the man whom 

'they considered could blow « hot and cold 






96 

rn so short a time, was removed from office, 
without a vote of thanks. 

In 1845 a iron fence was placed at the up- 
per part of the East Cliff, close to the steps 
leading down the same. 

On May the 23rd, 1850, the Lord Mayor of 

London, Thomas Farncomb, Esq., visited 

Rye in state. A Procession was formed at 

Springfield, the residence of Jeremiah Smith, 

Esq., which proceeded through the town to 

the Strand, returning by Jarrett's Yard, 

Middle street, round the Churchyard, down 

East street to the George Hotel, where the 

Lord Mayor, with his .friends, partook of a 

sumptuous banquet provided for the occasion. 

The Procession was one of the gaudiest 

ever displayed in the ancient Borough of 

Rye. It was in the following order, 

Two Councillors on Horseback, Silver Maces 

Two large Ensigns, 

The Band. 

A large Silk Banner. 

Carriage with Three Aldermen. 

Two Carriages with Council lors* 

Officers of the Borough. 

Borough Flags. 



97 

Two Mace Bearers. 

'Carriage with the Mayor and Town Clerk. 

City Flag, 

The Lord Mayor 

fin his State Carriage, drawn by four beau* 

tiful horses richly caparisoned. 

His Coachman and four Footmen dressed in 

all the tawdry imaginable. 

Carriage with the Lord Mayor's suite. 

Carriage with the Lord Mayor's Friends. 

Carriage with the Member for Rye. 

Carriage with the Recorder, Clerk of the 

Peace, and Chaplain. 

Carriage with Members for the County. 

Two Councillors on Horseback. 

Two Union Jacks. 

Gentlemen of town and neighbourhood on 

Horseback. 
Carriages of various descriptions containing 
Friends. 
Four Fancy Flags. 
A Galley on Wheels, 
with a crew in Striped dresses. 
Display of Flags. 
The following programme I prepared for 
the occasion, with no intention to offend. 



Strange things apper, as time rolls on, 

In this enlighten'd age, 
To think that pride, with all its pomp, 

Should many minds engage. 

We see it oft, and are to see 

Folly display'd in style ; 
At which some folks will almost blush, 

Whilst others they will smile. 

The Mayor of London he will come 

To dine with some at Rye ; 
To show respect to one and all, 

But that i& all my eye. 

We'll let it be as folks may like, 

It matters not, I say,. 
For my programme it now contains 

The order of the day. 

His Worshipful and Councilmen, 

And many too beside, 
This great phalanx, this Civic band, 

Will march in marshal pride. 

The first to swell the Civic train 

Will be our Uncle Bill ; 
With his well-known and pompous gait 

He'll stately pace Rye Hill. 

His two to one he will display, 

At least so people say ; 
And Duberly's large tin cock'd hat 

He'll wear on that grand day. 

The next to follow in the train 

Will be a knight of fame, 
Aspiring stitch of office proud, 

His great delight and aim. 

Batcheler's dray horse, with back so broad, 

Poor stitch he is to ride ; 
And he will sit upon the same 

Cross leg'd if he can't stride. 



5)9 

2 Then brother Mac, sedate, will march. 
Caution ! how great the bump ; 
He's wide awake, and soon will learn 
Which way the cat will jump. 

f Three Drapers then; in scarlet robes, 
The next that will be seeni 
With yards for wands, rosettes so fine, 
Of yellow,, blue, and green, 

g Then worthy Tom, a good old man, 
Will look as large as life; 
He'll march* in state, and for a sword 
Will have his butter knife. 

H Two men of law, with swords and scales,- 
An emblematic sign 
Of that which is so very rare,. 
So rare, that few can find, 

Will follow next. Then after them 
Will be our worthy Mayor, 
# Accompanied by our M.P., 

His presence, Oh> how rare T 

His voting friends how it will please s . 

M.P., that cheerful sound, 
Many will say, " the dead's alive," 

Others "the lost is found. " 

The dormant Lion rous'd is at last,, 
Though young he may seem shy ; 

Yet he'll protect, so it is said, 
The worthy men of Rye. 

The next to follow after these 

Will be our Jurats then ; 
And next the Burgesses of Rye, 

All good and faithful men. 

jj Then Geor-ge next, and Fisher too^ 
A place for them we'll find, 
Kind-hearted men, a pattern they 
L^ball be to all mankind*, 



100 

"Then twenty widows all in weeds, 

On whom no man can lower ; 
Each one will wear, pinn'd on her breast, 

A pretty passion flower. 

Then twenty maidens all in white, 

With posy in each hand ; 
Me thinks his Lordship then will say, 

" Why, this is Fairy Land," 

Of all the Mayors of London Town, 

This one he is the rarest : 
He has no wife that he can call 

His dearest Lady Mayoress. 

'For married life he careth not, 

Not e'en a straw or rush ; 
But yet those maiden's flowery gifts,* 

Will surely make him blush. 

If he don't choose from them a wife, 

From those fair Eves of Rye, 
Then let him go his headstrong way, 

A batch' lor let him die. 

Now my programme contains no more, 

It's just come to an end ; 
I hope my jokes, they are but jokes, 
Will not one soul offend. 
* Batchelor's Buttons. 

Explanation of the above verses. 

a "Uncle Bill," Mr. W. H. Chatterton, Pawnbro- 

ker, very pompous in appearance. 

b "Two to one," Three Balls, a Pawnbroker's sign. 

<c " Duberly's tin cock'd hat/' a Hatter's sign. 

d "Aspiring Stitch," Mr. Charles Thomas, Tailor, 

Organist, Foreman of the Fire Engines, Chamberlain, 
Gas-Rate Collector, Inspector of Nuisances, and Agent 
t to the M.P. of Rye, a man very useful, willing to as- 
sist any one, -and generally respected. 



101 

&■■ "Brother Mac," Mr. William McDiarmid, Tailor, 
a wide-awake Scotchman, a Methodist Preacher, a Ra- 
dical by profession, yet can vote for a Tory or remain 
neutral, according as it proves most beneficial to trade, 
without any regard to consistency; who is always 
looking- Southward somewhat like the Vicar of Bray, 
who held the Vicarage in the reigns of Henry VIII, 
Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth, and was always of 
the religion of the sovereign for the time being. First, 
a Papist, then a Protestant, afterwards a Papist, and 
then again .a Protestant; yet he would by no means 
admit that he was a turncoat. " No," said he, " I have 
always stuck to my, principle, which is this, to live 
and die tho- Vicar of Bray." 

The following parody, is applicable to the above : 

This is law till my dying day, 
The same 1 will maintain, Sir, 

Whene'er I- vote, no turning coat, 
1 always vote for gain, Sir; 

/ *'Three Drapers," Messrs. Thorpe, Edwards, ao^ 

Fuller. 

g "Worthy^ Tom," Mr. Thomas Vennall, Grocer. 

h "Two men of Law," Messrs. Taylor and Paine 9 

Lawyer's Clerks. 

i "M.P.," Herbert Mascall Curties, Esq., who, like 

all other members for the Borough, is seldom or ne- 
ver seen from one election to another* 

j " Geor-ge and Fisher," Messrs. George Collins, 

Painter,, and Fisher Clark, Baker, two men highly re- 
spected. 

The above are all members of the Corporation. 
In 1853, at a public dinner on the Town? 
Salts, at which upwards of 400 persons as- 
sembled, a handsome Service of Plate was 
presented to Jeremiah Smith, Esq^ as a tri- 



102 

1)ute of respect, on which was engraved the 

following inscription : 

This Salver, with four Side Dishes and a Soup 
Tureen, was presented ,to Jeremiah Smith, Esq., of 
Springfield Lodge, at a, Public Dinner holden at Rye, 
on Thursday, the 18th day of August, .1853, by the 
friends and supporters of the Liberal Cause, and 
other admirers of Mr. Smith, as a tribute of respect, 
esteem, and regard for his faithful and consistent ad- 
herence to the Principles of Civil, Religious, and 
Commercial Freedom, his private worth, his indepen- 
dent character, and his unwearying attention to local 
interests. 

I am for giving every man his due, and 
am willing to praise every man according to 
his merits ; but lauding any one to the skies 
I do not approve of. I think there is a little 
too much alloy in the inscription, tending to 
depreciate its intrinsic value. There may be 
men that no one can speak ill of, yet, of 
such, too much may be said. It is something 
like a person writing the virtues of others 
who never possessed any himself; and so 
with the oscillating politician, or the spirit- 
less religionist, who knows no more about prin- 
ciples than a blind person knows about co- 
lours, or a deaf person about sounds. I say a- 
gain, there may be men that no one can speak 
iill of, yet, of such, too much may be said. 



108 

The Cbair was ably filled by S. B. Brocket, 
Esq., and well supported by many influ- 
ential gentlemen of London and Rye and its 
vicinity. 

In the evening, a display of fireworks took 
place, which closed a day of as friendly and 
happy feeling as was ever witnessed in Rye» 

In 1853 a Steam-tug, "Erin" was first 
used here to tow vessels in and out of the 
harbour. 

In 1855, three Mortar Boats were built 
here, for Government, one at each ship-yard. 
These were, no doubt, the first war-vessels 
ever built here, for in the time of the Cinque 
Ports' Navy, Rye, being walled in, had no 
convenience for such work. In ancient times, 
ships were built at Small Hythe and at Ap- 
pledore, as the sea flowed up to and beyond 
those places. 

In the same year trees were planted along 
the town-side of the Town Salts. On the op<- 
posite side, east of the footpath, 30 willow 
poles were planted, cut from the trees at the 
bottom of the cliff. 

In the same year a drain was made from 
the Gun-garden Steps towards Pollard's 



104 

Wharf, into which the Salts are drained. 

On May the 1st, 1S56, the treaty of Peace 
with Russia was made known to the inhabi- 
tants by the Crier, Not a bell, except one 
tolling, was heard, not a flag hoisted, not a 
gun was fired, not even a solitary cheer was 
given, on so momentous an occasion. 

On the 29th of May, this Peace was com- 
memorated. The Corporation Flag was hoist- 
ed on the Tower, and a few old electioneer- 
ing colours were displayed, all shops were 
closed, and it seemed more like a day of 
sadness than of rejoicing. The day was us- 
hered in by the ringing of bells, which 
seemed to say, 

What a humbugging go for Rye, 
Rejoicing it is all my eye, 
To draw the purse the rich are shy, 
Spend money ! No, they'd sooner die, 
No one will laugh, no one will cry, 
No one rejoice, no one will sigh. 

And thus, at intervals throughout the day, 

similar doleful peals were rung. 

On October the 29th, 1857, a Meeting of 

the " Brotherhood and Guestling" was held 

at New Romney. The one previous to thin 

was held in 1829. 



105 

These meetings, in ancient times, were of 
great importance, there being no parliament 
but this. 

The Brotherhood is an assembly of the 
Cinque Ports and the two Ancient Towns, 
each sending their Mayor, two Barons, and 
two Combarons. 

The Guestling is an assembly of the above, 
together with the Mayors, Bailiffs, and a 
fixed number as above, from the limbs or 
members of the Ports, not being Barons 
thereof. This was the only parliament in 
early times. 

When cannon came into use, the State 
provided a Navy, and that of the Cinque 
Ports became of little importance, till at last 
it became extinct; and it appears that this 
Brotherhood and. Guestling alsa became ex- 
tinct, having little or no business to do. And 
if there should ever be another called, it 
will be a Brotherhood and Guzzling, as it 
would be useless and absurd to call again 
this antiquated assembly. 

The one recently held was nearly as follows* 

The Speaker (Mayor of Hastings), his* 
Chaplain and the Recorder. 



106 

Then his Deputies, two Barons (Jurats), and 
Two Combarons (Councillors). 
Preceeded by two Macebearers. 

Then followed the Mayors and their De- 
puties, and Macebearers, of the other four 
Ports and two Ancient Towns. 

Then the Mayors or Bailiffs, and their 
Deputies, and Macebearers, of the eight 
Xiimbs or Members of the above, all in order. 

The procession proceeded to Church, 
which had been fitted up expressly for the 
occasion, with a large table in the chancel, 
covered with red baize ; around which sat 
the Mayors and Bailiffs, with their Maces 
lying before them. The Barons and Comba- 
rons in pews near their respective Mayors 
and Bailiffs. 

After Divine Service, the Mayors of the 
Ports and Ancient Towns held a meeting at 
the Town Hall, called a Brotherhood ; after 
which the whole of the Mayors, Bailiffs, and 
Deputies returned to the Church and held a 
Meeting, called a Brotherhood and Guestling. 

Some few were absent on this occasion, 
which curtailed the procession ; but in 
ancient times, when pageantry was the order 






107 

of the day, an assembly like this, no doubt? 
was very imposing. 

In 1857, Richard Curteis Pomfret, Esq., 
was appointed High Sheriff for Sussex ; the 
first person in Rye who ever had this high 
honour conferred upon him. 

In 1859, the Corporation allowed buildings 
to be erected on the Town Salts (Lucknow 
Place), which, in 1834, the Corporation gave 
to the town for a sporting field for ever. 

Had the Members of the Old Corporation 
acted so meanly, the heaviest missiles of 
rhetorical thunder would have been hurled 
at them, by the present Corporation, for 
sanctioning such a grant ; and I may say they 
would have richly deserved it. 

In 1859, the houses were numbered, and 
the names of the streets were foolishly alter- 
ed; as events in history often give the 
names to streets. For instance, Strand Gate 
Ward, which history says, ran up the Mint 
to Jarrett's Yard on one side, and Middle 
street on the other. The Mint was so named 
in consequence of money being coined there. 
Jarrett's Yard, after the owner's name. Mid- 
dle street, being in the middle of the town? 



108 

But now, the Mint is named High street > 
Jarrett's Yard, Market Road ; Middle street. 
West street. Here is confusion without bene- 
fit or good result. Call Shakespeare's Cliff 
Palmerston's Height, and it loses its attrac- 
tion. The same here. Antiquity is all that 
Rye can boast of. Then why rob it of that ? 

Now, there are some upon this globe, 
We call them Yankee Doodles; 

But, you wont find beneath the sun 
A place like Rye for Noodles. 

Whenever the rulers of the town are aroused 

from their somnolency, they will not know 

the names of the streets they live in. 

There is a saying, true it is, 

Which no one can deny ; 
It matters not what it may be, 

" That's near enough for Rye." 

In 1859 a Rifle Corps was formed, and 
^ach member " pledged on his honour as a 
gentleman" to stand by each other in case of 
invasion. This pledge, I have no doubt, 
would be as binding as the withes and cords 
that bound Samson, if the "Philistines" 
should appear. Like Sir John Falstaff, who 
considered honour of no account when life 
was in danger ; and if England should ever 
become the theatre of war, the major part of 



109 

these dashing sons of Mars would prefer the 
back seats, so as to be out of sight and hear- 
ing of the performers ; yet, when Burns says, 

" Who so base as be a slave? 
Who would fill a coward's grave?" 

Then the loquacious heroes would answer. 

Not one of us, we men of Rye, 
We'll conquer, or we'll nobly die. 

THE RIFLE CORPS OF RYE. 

Now Englishmen, brave Englishmen, 

The nation of " True Blue, 4 ' 
If e'er the French should dare to land 

That moment they will rue. 
For when they see our Rifle Corps, 

That noble, fearless band, 
Men not afraid to meet a foe, 

Like Britons they will stand. 

CHORUS. 

Now, if the French should ever land, 

" Peccavi" they will cry, 
Soon as they see that noble band, 

The Rifle Corps of Rye. 

Just see them in their uniform, 

Parade on practice night, 
The ladies one and all declare 

It is a charming sight. 
The sweethearts, wives, and grandmammas 

United they declare 
There's not a corps beneath the sun 

That can with Rye compare. 



110 

Some think this corps will never stand 

In battle's fierce array, 
Some think that they, before they'd fight, 

Would sooner run away. 
Some think this corps of little use, 

Others no use at all, 
Some think it cannot long remain, 

Through pride, they say, 'twill fall. 

Now, folks may say whate'er they please, 

Make game of them or fun, 
For now I say, and no one nay, 

Not one of them would run. 
Our Rifles they would shoulder arms, 

March quickly to the scene, 
And then they'd fight with all their might,. 

For England and her Queen. 

A battery we have you know, 

And that's without a gun ; 
But never mind, my worthy friends, 

At Hastings there is one. 
But by-the-by that one is spik'd, 

The French we still defy ; 
A battery without a gun 

" Is near enough for Rye." 

I do not vouch for the authenticity of these 
valorous encomiums which my verses con- 
tain ; as I am fully convinced that the vain 
display of uniform and the playing at soldiers 
are the greatest attraction, far more than that 
of national importance. 

In December, 1859, the battery was again 
furnished with cannon. 



Ill 

In 1861 the Rye Rifle Corps became de- 
funct, and thus ended the short lived milita- 
ry glory of Rye. 

DEATH OF THE GREAT BABY OF RYE. 

'Twas in May, fifty-nine, 

Now, that was just the time, 
A baby was born, by-the-by ; 

The parents were so proud, 

They named him aloud, 
The Third Cinque Ports Rifles of Rye. 

Now, this dear little son 

"Was a wonderful one, 
A wonderful baby was he ; 

He made his parents stare, 

For soon he did declare 
A soldier, a soldier he'd be. 

He very soon was seen, 

In a new suit of green, 
With a sword dangling close by his side ; 

A rifle then they bought him, 

And marching too they taught him, 
And thus he was nurtured in pride. 

For subscriptions they sent, 

And to many they went, 
To whom they thought silly or proud ; 

This baby you must know 

Would have it all just so, 
Or else he would bellow out loud. 

Of this poor little thing 

I have heard many sing, 
They call'd him their dear and their pet; 

He squandered away, 

At last he could not pay, 
So he died as he liv'd, in debt. 



112 

For this poor darling babe, 

When he goes to his grave, 
Drop a tear or heave him a sigh : 

Although nurtured in pride, 

May you never deride, 
The Third Cinque Ports Rifles of Rye. 

Oq Wednesday, August 2Sth, 1861, a 
Court of Shepway was held at Dover, to in- 
stall Viscount Palmerston, as Lord Warden 
of the Cinque Ports. 

A procession of the Civic and Municipal 
authorities of the Cinque Ports and the 
Ancient Towns was formed at the Keep 
Yard of Dover Castle, in the following 
order : 

F. Ticehurst, Esq., Mayor of Hastings. 

G. A. Hill, Esq., ,, Sandwich.. 
J. Birmingham, Esq., ,, Dover. 

J- Russell, Esq., ,, New Romney. 

P. Moneypenny, Esq., ,, Hythe. 

W. H. Chatterton, Esq., „ Rye. 

C. Robins, Esq., ,, Winchelsea. 

H. Simmonds, Esq., Bailiff, Seaford. 

T. Arcoll, Esq., „ Pevensey. 

W. Wightwick, Esq., Mayor Folkstone. 

S. Johnson, Esq., „ Faversham. 

E. Cox, Esq., Bailiff Lydd. 

V, Pomfret, Esq., Mayor Tenterden. 

C. Chaplain, Esq., „ Deal. 

J. Standing, Esq., „ Margate. 

Outside the Castle were stationed the 

Ginque Ports Artillery, Marine Artillery. 



113 

and Rifles, who joined in the Procession, 
which was nearly a mile in length. From the 
Castle to the Drop Redoubt (the place of 
Installation), the streets were lined with 
soldiers. 

The last public Installation was that of the 
Duke of Dorset, in 1*765. 

It appears that this Court was in existence 
in the reign of Henry III, when it was a 
kind of assize. Formerly a Justice or Judge 
presided over this Court, to settle various 
law suits belonging to the Cinque Ports. Af- 
ter that, it was presided over by the Lord 
Warden, who was assisted by the Mayors, 
Bailiffs, and Jurats of the Ports; and a- 
gainst their decision there was but one ap- 
peal, and that was to the Crown. 

In ancient times, the Lord Warden was in- 
trusted with the custody of the Castle, which 
was considered to be the lock and key of the 
Kingdom, and the other Ports, the Wards 
thereof, and the two Ancient Towns, made it 
■" patent." 

The Livery worn by the Lord Warden 
consisted of a blue dress coat with scarlet 
collar and cuffs. 



Hi 

A great portion of this office is become 
virtually defunct, for the ancient " liberties* 
usages, and customs" of the Cinque Ports* 
are, by the great innovator, time, become al- 
most obsolete. 

In 1861, a Marine Artillery Corps was 
formed. 

Witchcraft, but a few years ago, was be- 
lieved in by many here ; and, up to the pre- 
sent time, it is so by some. To substantiate 
their belief, they prove by Scripture that 
there was witchcraft in the days of Inspira- 
tion, and why not in these days of adultera- 
ted religion. In Huckstep's Row a horse- 
shoe is placed over the front-door of one of 
the houses, and one of the inhabitants of the 
Row, a shoemaker, who could not readily 
procure a horseshoe, nailed two shoe-clips 
on the sill of his front-door, to prevent being 
bewitched. There are several other instances 
of this occult power; but unbelief has re- 
moved many of those, supposed, powerful 
signs. It appears that those witches are of the 
aristocratic race, as they never attempt an 
entrance only at the front-door. Even a- 
mongst ship-owners and masters of vessels* 



115 

there remains to this day a superstitious no- 
tion. They will not allow a vessel to be 
launched on a Friday on any account what- 
ever, it being* considered an unlucky day. 
Like Lord Byron and Napoleon, who both ob- 
jected to commence a journey or enter upon 
any serious affair on a Friday. 

On Election days, when the old Tory dy- 
nasty reigned unmolested, Silver Garlands, 
composed of plate borrowed of the inhabi- 
tants, were displayed in the following order; 
Six Garlands of various devices, each carri- 
ed by four young women, two on each side, 
dressed in white gowns and caps, and on 
each side walked a young man, dressed in 
nankeen trousers and a white plaited shirt, 
bareheaded, each with a wand, acting as 
guards. They started from the Court Hall^ 
down Lion street, and up to Mounts fie Id, es- 
corted by two or three musicians. 

Water was, on those days, turned into 
wine ; that is, wine ran from the pump. 

On the Sabbath all shops are closed, this 
is showing a great respect for the day, 
which would lead many to the conclusion 
that the inhabitants were strictly religious P 
but experience tells a different tale. 



116 

"Do as you would have others do/' 

Ah ! that is all my eye. 
Now, that may do for other towns, 

'Twill never do for Rye. 

For many of the inhabitants deem it 

" Far worse to whistle on a Sunday, 

Than cheat their neighbours on a Monday." 

Of hypocrites plenty we have, 
Of God-fearing people not so ; 
And God-loving people, I think, 
Not far in the units will go. 

Rye, with about 5000 inhabitants, for ster- 
ling intellect, or great men, is as bare as^ 
trees are of foliage in winter. It has but one 
(Mr. Holloway), who is the only star of any 
magnitude shining in its hemisphere, whom 
Rye is proud of; a man who has been, and 
still is, one of the most consistent men of 
Rye ; and his honest and straightforward 
intentions have caused many base men to 
strive to defame his character ; but they 
have striven in vain. His harangues are in a 
mild tone, with a certain degree of candour, 
conscientiousness, and patriotism ; and as 
the poet says, 

" 'Tis he whose every thought and deed 

By rules of virtue moves, 
Whose gen'rous tongue disdains to speak 

The things his heart disproves." 



w 

It is somewhat curious to relate that al- 
most every merchant, tradesman, farmer, and 
the pa and ma gentry, sprang from humble 
parentage. And yet, any one now in the same 
humble circumstances would, by the above, 
be considered to mean to be noticed, being 
of "low origin." 

Pride, pride it is a silly thing, 

Yet, here 'tis carried high ; 
Few are the towns, in this respect, 

J think, can vie with Rye, 

The humbler and higher classes, generally, 
would not do for trainers of morality ; and 
as for their wisdom it is not very attractive. 

Rye has a biography of three men, the 
rarest occurrence on record, whose professi- 
on was more lawful than honourable ; for few 
who follow that profession are truly respect- 
ed ; even in the days of Christ they were 
held in detestation. 

Mr. Holloway, in his history, says, Mr. 
Woollett, a lawyer, was deservedly esteemed 
for his charity, benevolence, and liberality. 

In 1840 Mr. Thomas Proctor, lawyer, died, 
having filled the office of Town Clerk for 
itnany years under the old and new Corpora- 



118 
ttfon. His name will long remain memorable 
through his humane and generous conduct. 
No bullying, no browbeating, no "hunger- 
ing or thirsting" after fees. 

In 1852: Mr. John Lardner, w retired law- 
yer, died. He set as little value on money as* 
any one ;; and his whole life, from manhood, 
was sgent in carrying out the poet's affirma- 
tion,. 

"Who loves not wine,. woman, and song,. 
He is a fool, his whole life long." 

He was an enemy to those who abused^ 
dumb animals, and the only one who pos- 
sessed moral courage enough to show his dis- 
approbation, by bringing them before a ma- 
gistrate. 

Mr. Lardner often, in a jocose mood, said, 
he was not rogue enough to be a lawyer ; he, 
therefore, left it to his partner to carry out 
that principle of which he was deficient. 

There is a saying oft we hear, 

'Tis true unto the letter, 
When e'er the old one he is gone, 

There seldom comes a better. 

The above is an eventful paragraph; per- 
haps never met with before, and never to oc- 
cur again. 



H9 

Exceptions to a general rule 

I find them now and then ; 
Here's one, three Lawyers liv'd and died 

All good and honest men. 

Those who knew the latter two will bear 
me out when I say here is no fulsome adula- 
tions lavished upon the dead, in hopes to 
please the living. 

About twenty years since there resided 
here one William Wood, a person sharp in 
his remarks, which were not always pleasing 
to some, there being a littletoo much of truth 
in them. His wife had a great antipathy te 
the degrading manner of announcing the 
death of a poor person, by the tolling of the 
little bell j and whenever she heard that 
tinkling sound she would request her William 
not to have it whenever she should die. 
William, to convince her that she might 
rest perfectly satisfied in that respect, used 
to say, No, Bet, you shall have all eight ; 
and in consequence of which he composed 
the following lines. 

The little bell became the knell 

To some departed soul, 
Poor Bet was sick and like to die. 

Was griev'd to hear it toll. 



120 

Says Bet, to Will, come listen nowy 

If death should on me wait, 
Don't let me have the little bell, 

Says Will, you shall have eigbt. 

Poor Betty very often made to free with 
"Johnny Barleycorn," which prudence con- 
sidered to be very disgraceful in a lady ; 
and many of William's friends would often 
suggest plans in this case. William's reply 
was, Every body knows what to do with a 
drunken wife, except those who have one. 

It is said, he wrote on a plate, to be placed 
on his coffin, the following lines. 

Here lies poor old W. W. 

Who'll never more trouble you, trouble you; 



121 
ANECDOTES. 

The following anecdote is often told, and 
when told by a good mimic, generally raises 
the risibility of those who hear it. 

Mr. Jeremiah Curteis, grandfather of Ma- 
jor Curteis., was a lawyer, who had a very 
queer squeaking voice, which is generally 
imitated by those who relate the following 
story. 

A countryman, and a green looking one 
too, went to the aforesaid lawyer for " a lit- 
tle advice." After he had received the same 
he inquired what the charge was. The reply 
was, you being a labouring man I shall 
-charge you only half price. Thank you, Sir, 
said the applicant, making a very low awk- 
ward bow, at the same time inquiring how 
much that was, 3s. 4e/., says the lawyer, 
Well, Sir, I suppose you will have no objec- 
tion to throwing off the odd money, says the 
green looking one. No, not in the least, ex- 
claims the lawyer. He then fumbles over his 
money in his breeches-pocket, and at last 
put on the desk 4c/., and thanked the law- 
yer, who first seemed at a loss ; but finding 



122 

out his error, squeaked out, " Done by a 
countryman, by God." 

The Verger of Rye Church, Wm. Apps, 
sen., used often to tell the following story, 
which, in his dry and droll manner of rela- 
ting it, produced convulsive laughter. He 
said, once I was requested to attend a confir- 
mation at Winchelsea. I proceeded in my 
sacerdotal dress, which was just presented 
to me by the Parish of Rye. It was a splen- 
did black cloak, fringed all over, and a large 
three cornered ornamented hat with two a- 
mazing large tassels, suspended at two of the 
corners, dangling about like the great dolls 
used as a sign at rag and bottle shops. 

Being thus fully equiped, I marched to 
my destination, accompanied by the Parish 
Clerk. When I arrived at Winchelsea Gate- 
way, a great number of people was waiting, 
for by the help of a spyglass I was observed 
long before I arrived. Several conjectures 
were afloat who or what I could be. I was 
not the Bishop, no, but I was considered to 
be some great personage. On my arrival at 
the entrance of the town I was received with 
every mark of respect, what some might be 



123 

justified in terming " humbug; f that is, the 
men and boys bowed, and the women and 
girls courtesyed. As I passed through the 
town, I was saluted by all who met me. 1 pro- 
ceeded to the Clerk's residence, here I was 
received by the Mistress of the house with a 
very lowcourtesy* and ushered into the par-* 
lour to wait for her husband. I asked for the 
loan of a brisk to remove the dust from my 
shoes. It was soon brought, but the kind la- 
dy would not allow me to do it ; she placed 
a chair in* the middle of the room, and re- 
quested me to place my foot thereon* whilst 
she brisked off the dust. What a kind Mary. 

After this I went to the Inn* here 1 was 
introduced, by the Landlord* into the best 
room, with a deal of bowing and scraping, 
with "yes, Sir," and "no, Sir," for he, like 
others, considered me some one of impor- 
tance, and that no one but himself was quali- 
fied to wait on &o honourable* and dignified a 
guest 

At last, having satisfied the inward man, I 
was about to retire, when the Landlord went 
through all the bowing and scraping evolu^- 
tions of politeness as he did on my entry. 



124 

Having carried out the appearance of be- 
ing some official of high dignity, 1 said to 
the complacent Landlord, don't you know 
me? No, Sir, was the reply. Don't you know 
Apps who works at Meryon's brewhouse at 
Rye ? Yes, Sir, said he. I smiled at Boni- 
face, and said, well, I am he. He gazed with 
astonishment, and seeing it was correct, 
bawls out in a very undignified tone and 
temper * so it is. 



125 
CHARITIES. 

Teacock's School was endowed with an 
rannuity of 4/. annually, arising out of the 
Mermaid Inn, which annuity, in 1758, was 
redeemed for the sum of 50/., and the same 
was lent (?) to the Trustees of Saunders's 
School. Here, no doubt, was a little sleight 
of hand, " change," and 30/. were gone for 
ever. There is also a rent-charge of 32/. is- 
suing out of lands called Uplands, Cliff- 
lands, Rye Marshes, Gateborough, and Cad- 
borough, in the parish of Rye, for the main- 
tenance of a Schoolmaster. 

Saunders's School is endowed with a Farm 
-situated in Rye and Udimore, containing 50 
acres, on which remains a mortgage of 250/., 
^it 4 per cent, and 12 acres of land in the 
wet level, Wittersham ; but no School-room 
is provided. 

Whilst these Charities were in the power 
of the Lambs, justice had no control over 
them. To go into details would fill many 
pages; but one illustration out of many will 
suffice to prove the above assertion, that 
those Charities have been sadly abused. 



126 

The above Farm was let to a Freeman for 
50/. a year, subject to a reduction, for re- 
pairs, of about 25/. a year, whilst, at the 
same time, eligible tenants, who were not 
Freemen, could be found who would give 
100/. to 130/. clear of all deductions. The 
consequence was those Charities became 
nearly useless, as for many years the num- 
ber of scholars did not exceed twenty, not- 
withstanding Peacock's School was to have 
fifty and Saunders's seventy. Thus those in 
valuable institutions became almost sup- 
pressed. When redress was sought for, in the 
Court of Chancery, by Capt. Thomas Clark, 
a native of Rye, to whom many thanks are 
due. Eight years elapsed before Chancery 
gave a decission, and then 900/. expenses 
were to be paid out of the rent of the Farm, 
at 30/. a year for thirty years. 

Here is a triumph of Law over Justice, t 
think I may justly say, 

If Lawyers should to heaven e'er go, 

Then this I know full well, 
There's not a man, woman, or child 

Will ever go to helJ. 



127 

In 1721, Mr. John Bradley bequeathed '51. 9 . 
the interest, 5s., to be distributed yearly up- 
on Good- Friday, to the poor of Rye, in bread, 
as the Minister and Overseers think proper. 

In 1730, the Rev. Edward Wilson gave 5/., 
the interest r 5s., is disposed off as the above. 

Now, both of these Charities, Mr. Thomas 
Clark, in a work on Rye Charities, insinu- 
ates are 5£ each yearly, and not 5s» If so ? 
the " Lamb" took a Lion's share. 

In 1769, Margaret Hforsfield bequeathed 
100/., the interest to be distributed to six- 
teen industrious poor of Rye, who should not 
receive relief from the Parish. 

This is paid every, Christmas by the Cor* 
poration. 

Lady Gower bequeathed 100/., the interest 
to be given ta educate children of the poor 
in Rye. 

Alexander Wells ga#e, by deed, in 1550, 
a piece of land to the Corporation, without 
Land Gate, on condition that they erect a cer- 
tain house and closes, and make a garden ad- 
joining to the said house for ever, for the nse 
of the decaying, the sick, the diseased, the 
feeble, and the infirm, to be constituted as >a» 



128 

place of relief and a hospital for ever, to 
which the Corporation acquiesced. 

The house was built, and in 1784 was pul- 
led down, and two cottages built thereupon 
for poor widows to reside in rent free. 

In front of the cottages was inscribed "Re- 
built by the Corporation, a d. 1784. Thomas 
Lamb, Esq., Mayor, on ground given by 
Alexander Wells, Jurat, 1550." 

It appears that this ground, originally, was 
as much more by measurement as it was 
when the two cottages were built ; thus like 
unto Charities in olden times, it " diminish- 
ed." 

In former times, the land now belonging 
to Mountsfield was a place where fishermen 
usually dried their nets ; and it was suppos- 
ed that it was given by Alexander Wells, as 
certain lands were given by him for the be- 
nefit of the sick and infirmed poor, but the 
Corporation would not state where they 
were, as they produced no rent. 

This is the nature of most men, 
Whether they're low or high ,• 

And he who acts an honest part 
Most likely poor will die. 



129 

BENEFIT SOCIETIES. 

The first Benefit Society held in Rye, of 
•which any account can be ascertained, was 
in the last century ; for in the Church ac- 
counts it says, "The Churchwardens borrow- 
ed, in 1762, of the Benefit Society of Rye, 
80/., and paid it back in 1764." 

The oldest now is the Freemasons (Wel- 
lington). It was opened in 1811, at the Lon- 
don Trader Inn. It has about 12 contribut- 
ing members, and is now held at the Cinque 
Ports' Arms Hotel. 

The Ancient Order of Odd Fellows (Phoe- 
nix) was opened in 1823, at the Cinque Ports' 
Arms Hotel. It has about 170 members, and 
is now held at the Red Lion Inn. 

The Ancient Towns' Benefit Society was 
established in 1828, at the London Trader 
Inn. It has been twice dissolved and shared 
out, and again formed into a Society under 
the same name. It has about 135 members, 
and is now held at the Cinque Ports' Arms 
Hotel. 

The Albion Benefit Society has about 20 
members, and the Triennial Benefit Society 
lias about 15 members. These societies were 



130 

formerly but one, called the Albion, was e- 
stablished in 1837, at the Queen Adelaide 
Inn. The Albion is now held at the Bedford 
Arms Inn, and the Triennial at the Crown 
Inn. 

The Mechanic's Benefit Society was estab- 
lished in 1838, at the Horse and Groom Inn* 
It has about 40 members, and is now held at 
the Queen's Head- Inn, This Society will 
not haue honorary members* 

The Manchester Order of Odd Fellows 
(Prince of Wales} was opened in 1842, at 
the London Trader Inn. It has about 115 
members, and is now held at the Red Lion 
Inn. * 

The Mariners' Benefit Society was esta- 
blished in 1843,.at the Hope and Auchor Inn. 
It has about 30 members, and is now held 
at the Crown Inn. 



*A few remarks, by. way of caution, to those who do 
not understand the working, of this society. I joined 
this Order in 1822, in Brighton. I belonged to this 
Lodge, and after a few years was expelled; and that 
without having any notice that 1 had committed my- 
self in any way whatever. I was neither allowed. to 
Lear the charge nor to defend it. 



131 

The Hastings Branch Benefit Society was^ 
established in 1855, at the Hope and Anchor 
Inn. It has about 20 members, and is now 
held at the Bedford Arms Inn. 

The Foresters (Friars) was opened m 
1855, at the New Inn, Wiuchelsea. It has 
about 80 members, and is now held at the 
Cinque Ports' Arms^ Hotel. 

The Foresters (Harold) was opened iw 
1855, at the London Trader Inn. It has about 
115 members, and is now held at the Red 
Lion Inn. 

The Economical Benefit Society was e- 
stablished in 1853, at the Baptist Chapel, and 
is held at the same place. It has about 30 J 
members. 

The Unity Benefit Society was established 
in 1859, at the London Trader Inn, and is 
held at the same place; It has about 35 mem- 
bers. Making a total of above 800 members. 

On> the 24th of June, 1858, a grand de- 
monstration of unity was displayed, which 
never occurred in* Rye before. 

The Manchester Unity and the Ancient 
Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of 
Foresters, and the Mechanics Benefit Society 



H32 

limited in one grand and pleasing Procession* 
in the following order. 

The Manchester Unity, the members in full 
regalia, preceded by their splendid banner. 
Then the Ancient Order of Foresters, Court 
Harold and Court Friars, in full regalia, not 
gaudy but particularly neat, also displaying 
a very handsome banner. Then the Ancient 
Order of Odd Fellows, wearing the ensignia 
of the various offices obtained. Then the 
.Mechanics' Benefit Society. 

Several flags and banners were carried in 
the Procession, giving it a gay and cheerful 
appearance. The Wittersham Band, with its 
enlivening strains, led the way, whilst the 
drums and fifes rattled in the rear. 

The following is the programme of the 

route taken by the procession, after starting 

from the Red Lion Inn. 

Down Lion Street, along High Street, up Middle 
Street, down Mermaid Street, up the Trader Passage, 
along Watchbell Street, Pump Street, Market Street, 
East Street, through the Tower to the Spring Shrub- 
bery, back down Tower Street, along the Rope-walk 
to the Ferry Inn, back by Alma Place to the Strand, 
up Mint Street, High Street, and East Street to the 
Red Lion Inn. 






133 

The members of the different Orders, with 
their friends, dined in the Bowling-green at 
the Red Lion Inn. President, Mr. Henry 
Edwards Paine, P.P.G.M. of the 3M.U. Vice 
President, Mr. Joseph Judge, A.O.F. 

Here they had " PAINE," yet pleasures found, 

This ev'ry one could see ; 
The Vice declar'd it to be so, 

A better <• JUDGE" could'nt be. 

For a more friendly meeting never was held. 
Every one seemed happy to see others so ; 
and if there was one real convivial day that 
Rye can boast of this was the one. Not an 
unpleasant word escaped the lips, or an evil 
thought crossed the mind of any one ; in fact, 
it was a feast of friendship, worthy to be re- 
corded and handed down to posterity as an 
epoch in the history of Rye. 

The bells anon, throughout the day, 

Sweet sounds they did impart; 
Whilst friendship flow'd, without restraint, 

In ev'ry brother's heart. 

The shops were generally closed, which 
gave the appearance of a day of mourning 
rather than a day of rejoicing. The country 
ladies seemed much disappointed, having no- 
thing to admire and no one to admire them, 



1*34 

as the town, after the Procession, seemed' 
quite deserted. 

The meaning of the above cabalistic letter* 
is as follows : 

P.P.G.M* is Past Provincial Grand Master* 
M.U. is Manchester Unity. 
A.O.F. is Ancient Order of Foresters. 
This annual gathering, continues, and each 
year outvies the past. 

May friendship here this day 
Be liken'd to the vine, 

With tendrils sweet with love 
Around each heart entwine. 

May friendship like that cloud; 
Once small as any hand, 

Its genial showers send forth 
Over this happy band. 

May friendship long exist,, 
Each passing year outvie, 

'Tis like a tender plant, 
Which seldom thrives in Rye. 

For politics run high, 
The wise become insane, 

The heart no friendship knows. 
'Tis like a sterile plain. 



m 

THE 

POLITICAL HISTORY 

OF RYE. 



1 love to see the man who does disdain 

To be a syeophant, or be a slave. 

I love to see the man in Freedom's cause 

Firm as a rock! that braves each dashing wave! 



■& 



Previous to the passing of the Reform Billy 
Jlye was denominated a Pocket Borough ; 
or, what the Reform Bill termed, a Rotten 
Borough. 

The political power of Rye was for many 
years, fast in the grasp of the Lamb family ; 
and this eventually excited in some an inve- 
terate feeling against then*. 

Dr. Lamb, up to the passing of the Reform 
Bill, was patron of the Borough ; for which 
he was well qualified, having a great share 
of talent, which he used in a mild and pleas- 
ing manner ; and, as the poet says, 

" Not soon provoked, however stung and teased, 
And, if perchance made angry, soon appeased." 

It is almost impossible to contemplate bis 

character without a feeling of admiration. He 



136 

had a good command over a powerful mind ; 
and the amazing influence which he exercis- 
ed over those who wavered, was great. He 
possessed a superior intellect, capable of 
commanding the attachment of his partisans, 
and of directing their energy to his views. 
His eloquence was not to be equalled in 
this locality, for few men were possessed of 
more oratorical abilities than he was. In po- 
litics, he could paint the Tories almost as 
angels, and the oppositionists quite the re- 
verse. In his holy calling, he could soften 
the hardest heart, for his words were so ef- 
fective, that 

" Like feather' d snow, 
They melted as they fell." 

He has been reviled and abused by men far 
less staunch than he was, for he never swer- 
ved from what he professed. Although many 
cannot admire his politics, yet, they cannot 
despise him. In fact, he is too good to be a 
Tory. 

The smaller the place the hotter the poli- 
tics, is a saying, the truth of which is appa- 
rently confirmed in the Town of Rye. 



137 

In 1825 the struggle for political liberty 
began, and was carried out by Messrs. John 
Meryon, W. Prosser, and C. Thompson, 
freemen, and Messrs. W, Holloway, C. 
Hicks, W. Chatterton, W. Brazier, J. El- 
lenden, W. Blackman, and several others : 
some of whom, no doubt, were actuated by 
the purest motives, that of emancipating their 
fellow-townsmen, and others, by a desire to 
appear great and mighty in power. 

To oppose the old Tory dynasty of this 
Borough was dangerous, for law was ever 
ready to impede justice and involve great 
expenses on the above-named gentlemen. 

Now, those men did not point out the dan- 
ger to others, but nobly faced it themselveSo 
They did not say, there and there are the 
bounds of justice ; no, they fearlessly trod 
on the margin thereof, viewing with abhor- 
rence the corrupt system by which the Town 
had long been governed. 

Their endeavours to overturn the old and 
J corrupt system were compared, by many, to 
the mouse in the fable, setting free the lion. 
Amidst threats on one hand and obstacles on 
the other* those unflinching advocates for 



188 

freedom persued their cause ; and the noble 
and patriotic spirit that existed within those 
men would not brook the deliberate insults 
that were constantly offered to them whenr 
ever they solicited their just and legal rights. 

" Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel just, 
And he but naked, though locked up in steel, 
Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted." 

Dr. Lamb turned a deaf ear to the solicit 
tations of his fellow-townsmen ; he refused 
to redress their grievances, though sworn to 
"to do justice and maintain truth." Thus the 
cause became a desperate one, and adequate 
means were indispensably necessary to be 
called into action ; for the just indignation 
of the people became aroused ; discontent 
and confusion spread throughout the town, 
and the universal feeling which had for ages 
existed through a fear of offending, was now 
no more ; as all sensible and reflecting men 
saw that a Corporation reform was necessary 

Public and private meetings of the inhabi- 
tants often took place, at which various plans 
were suggested to regain lost privileges, and 
to overthrow the corrupt system that existed 
in the Corporate body. 



139 

According to the Customal Law, the Mayor 
was chosen on the first Sunday after the 
Feast of St. Bartholomew, at the Cross in 
the Churchyard, near the porch on the South 
side ; and there Mr. John Meryon was, by 
the householders, elected Mayor according to 
ancient usage. 

On the following Monday, Mr. Meryon, 
with a host of friends, proceeded to the Court 
Hall to be sworn in, but that request was 
refused. The Corporate body elected, as 
Mayor, a relative of Dr. Lamb, the Rev. W. 
Dodson, from Lincolnshire, 1 say, "elected," 
it might be called so ; but it was only a farce. 
Men long in office or in power often lose that 
energetic spirit which they feel on first en- 
tering into office. So with the major part of 
the old freemen, who fell into a state of apa- 
thy, by being put into places of emolument or 
favour; thus they were easily wheedled to 
support any measure, or give weight to any 
scheme of their reverend leader; bartering, 
or not valuing, their independence, and be- 
coming less likely to rebel. 

Now came the tug of war. Cabinet coun- 
cils were held, plans were submitted, and 



14d 

schemes were suggested. At length they re* 
solved to storm the strong-hold, the Court 
Hall. 

On the 18th of October, 1825, about four 
o'clock in the afternoon, the friends of Mr. 
Meryon, the advocates of reform, met at the 
Red Lion Inn, where the plan of attack was 
duly arranged. Mr. John Waters, Gunsmith, 
was appointed to pick the lock of the iron 
gate, leading into the market ; this was soon 
accomplished, without causing any suspicion. 
Mr. Charles Laurence, Painter, was next 
dispatched with his " scaling " ladder to the 
back part of the Court Hall, to remove a pane 
of glass, then to open the window and enter, 
and then to unbolt the upper and lower 
doors ; this, also, was done. The word was 
given to all assembled to proceed and take 
possession of the Court Hall. It was immedi- 
ately done, and the record-chest ransacked. 
Here, documents doomed to everlasting secu- 
rity were exposed and copied. One of which 
was as follows: 

"A written agreement was entered into on the 22nd 
of November, 1758, whereby James Lambe, Chiswell 
Slade, William Davis, Thomas Lambe, and Needlen 



141 

^Chamberlain Watson, of the Corporation of Rye, ir« 
greed with each other to exert themselves for the be- 
nefit of each other, for the good and advantage of the 
Corporation in general; not to make application to Go- 
vernment for any place without the privity and con- 
sent of all; not to make interest, or vote for any Mem- 
ber to represent them in Parliamentwithout the know- 
ledge and approbation of all ; each of them, when 
Mayor, to consult with the others as to whom he should 
call to his assistance as juiats, and nominate as free- 
men ; to oppose any person being elected freeman 
who was not approved by all ; to use their best endea- 
vours to make the said C. Slade the next Mayor, the 
said T. Lambe the next, the said W. Davis the next, 
the said J. Lambe the next, and the said N. C. Wat- 
son the next; that when either of them, the said C. 
Slade, W. Davis, and N. C. Watson was Mayor, to 
appoint either J. or T. Lambe his Deputy, and that 
when either of the Lambes was Mayor, to appoint one 
of the other three Deputy-Mayor. The said J. Lambe 
and C. Slade to divide all profits to arise from the Col- 
lector of the Customs having any of their warehouses, 
storehouses, ships, lighters, boats or vessels, a fifth 
part being allowed to the owners for the rent or the 
usual hire for the same ; and in case either of them, 
the said C. Slade and J. Lambe, should agree to do a- 
ny work or find any materials for the Corporation or 
the Commissioners of Rye Harbour, the other might 
have liberty to do half the work ; and all breaches of 
this item to be submitted to a majority of the subscri- 
bing parties ; and, lastly, as to all the items and agree- 
ments, that they should be secret, and neither of them 
should divulge, disclose, or make it known to any 
person." 

Lord Elden's words would be very appli* 

<eable as an appendage to this precious docw* 



142 

merit, who, when speaking of a Corporation? • 
said, " It has neither a body to be kicked, 
nor a soul to be saved." 

The whole town was in a state of uproar, 
no one seemed to believe what he heard, and 
scarcely what he saw. 

The Town Clerk, Mr. Thomas Procter, soon 
arrived, and requested Mr. Meryon and his 
supporters, in the most friendly manner, to 
retire, and give up possession, for fear of con- 
sequences; they smiled and thanked him for 
his friendly advice. 

Rye now began to merge from ** utter dark- 
ness into marvellous light." It was no longer 
as a candle "hid under a bushel," but as a 
"city set upon a hill." Its unheard boldness 
and bravery was heralded throughout the 
kingdom; for in every journal " Rye " occu- 
pied a considerable space. 

The noble spirit of the men of Rye invi- 
gorated the spirits of others. The foundation 
of the rotten boroughs began to shake, and a 
desire for reforming the boroughmongering 
system universally prevailed. 

The next day was the general gaol delive- 
ry. At the usual time of opening the Court.. 



143 

<the 'Mayor and Jurats, chosen by the Town, 
clad in robes of scarlet, occupied the Bench, 
ready to administer justice to all. 

The following persons composed the New 

Corporation. 

Mayor. 
Mr. John Meryon. 
Jurats. 
Mr. Stains Brocket Chamberlain ( now Brocket), 
Mr. William Holloway, Mr. Charles Hicks, 
Mr. George Thompson, Mr. William Prosser, 
Mr. William Chatterton, Mr. William Brazier, 
Mr. James Ellenden, Mr. Wiiliam Blackman. 
Town Clerk.— Mr. James Miller. 
Chamberlain. — Mr. James Blake. 
Sergeants at Mace. 
Messrs. Edward Barnes and James Thomas. 
Crier, — Mr. James King. 

The old party also attended, headed by 
Dr. Lamb, followed by their reverend May*- 
or, demanding of those in scarlet by what 
authority they sat there, and that the Bench 
might be given up to them. The answer not 
being satisfactory, Dr. Lamb announced that 
they should adjourn to Mountsfield, where 
any one having any magisterial business wa$ 
to attend. 

Rye had, during six weeks, two Mayoi&* 

Here justice and law 
Were extinct for a time s 



144 

As no one was known 

To commit the least crime. 

No Policemen had we, 

No trials nor cares, 

Oh ! that was the time 

When we had our two Mayors. 

One inquest was held by the Mayor of the 
reforming party, on the body of a man who 
hung himself. 

The Old Corporation regained by law 
their old and corrupt station ; and, when 
given up, Mr. Holloway assured them that 
every document was safely 'replaced, and 
that not one was lost or destroyed by fire, 
alluding to a number of writings being pre- 
viously burnt by order of the Chamberlain. 

After this the townsfolks formed them- 
selves into a Society, denominated the " In- 
dependent Association," held at the Red Li- 
on Inn ; and their motto was 

M Hereditary bondsmen, know ye not, 
"Who would be tree, himself must strike the blow." 

And their favourite toast was, 
Along pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together. 
Petitions were sent, from this Association, 
to the King, Lords, and Commons, beseech- 
ing them to take into consideration the injus- 
tice of any man to be legally allowed to bar- 



145 

ter the rights and privileges of the inhabi- 
tants of Rye, and seeking for redress of 
grievances. 

Many resolutions were passed in this As- 
sociation ; and one, I here insert, will show 
how little stability there is in man. 

At a meeting of the Rye Independent As- 
sociation, it was agreed by every member ttf 
wear, as a symbol, ribbons of scarlet and 
blue in the buttonhole of the coat, until the 
day of reform, when every man should enjoy 
his rights and privileges. On the following 
day every member displayed his scarlet and 
blue, and an enemy might as well have en- 
deavoured to remove the proud colours from 
the topmast of a British man-of-war, as have 
attempted to remove the " Scarlet and Blue" 
from the buttonhole of any member of the 
Independent Association. This went on for ai 
time ; at length, many grew cold in the cause,' 
or interest clashed, so out came the colours? 
till at last it was worn by one only* and that 
was myself* who wore it till Reform was ob^ 
tained. 

Soon after the formation of this Associati* 
on a General Election took place. The Can- 



146 

,<iidates were Messrs. Richard Arkw right and 
Henry Bonham, for the Corporation, and 
Messrs. Benjamin Smith and Stanes Brocket 
Chamberlain, for the Town. The former two 
were returned, as the votes of householders 
were rejected. 

The two Members, of the Town's choice, 
carried their cause into the King's Bench, 
and were defeated. 

In the early part of 1830, one of the Mem- 
bers died, and a new writ was issued, when 
Colonel De Lacy Evans, without fame or in- 
fluence in this forlorn hope, offered himself 
to the Town ; and Mr. Philip Pusey to the 
Corporation. Mr. Pusey was returned, as the 
votes given to Colonel Evans were rejected. 

The return of Mr. Pusey was petitioned 
against, and in May following Colonel Evans 
took his seat in Parliament. 

This triumph of justice produced the great- 
est joy conceivable amongst the men of Rye, 
and I may add amongst the ladies too as well. 

On the 16th of June following, Colonel 
Evans made his triumphant entry into Rye. 
It was a day on purpose, as several previous 
pnes wer.e ushered in by torrents of rain : b.ujt 






147 

on the morning of that day nature seemed to 
smile ; the clouds dispersed, the sun, in all 
its splendour, shone throughout the day ; and 
what was more remarkable it was for that 
day only. 

" Clear had the day been from the dawn, 

All chequer' d was the sky, 
The clouds, like scraps of cobweb lawn, 

Veil'd heaven's most glorious eye. 
The wind had no more strength than this, 

So leisurely it blew, 
To make one leaf the other kiss, 

That closely by it grew." 

A vast number of people proceeded as far as 
the boundary of the parish, adjoining Peas- 
marsh, to meet him. On arriving at the Cor- 
poration boundary-stone, a congratulatory ad- 
dress was delivered to him by Mr. W. Hol- 
loway. At this spot an immense concourse 
of people was assembled. The whole of the 
road from Land Gate up the Hill was dense- 
ly thronged. 

Here four handsome grey horses were at- 
tached to his carriage, the postillions having 
blue jackets and caps. A band of music and 
colours in profusion, with appropriate devi- 
ces inscribed thereon, added life to the pro* 
♦ceedings. 



148 

The cavalcade, headed by a man in ar-* 
mour, moved slowly on, amidst one continu- 
ed round of cheering; and when opposite 
Mountsfield, the residence of Dr. Lamb, the 
dheering of triumph became deafening. A* 
Land Gate, opposite the Square, a splendid 
triumphal arch- was erected, of evergreens 
and flowers ; on the top was an alcove, in 
which sat a pretty, interesting looking little 
girl (Mary Ann Gasson) who delivered the 
following rhyming address to Colonel Evans; 

"Long we've worn these galling shackles, 
Long our rights they took away, 
Till brave Evans came amongst us, 
Broke our chains and set us tree. 
Let the sons of Slavery wear them, 
We disdain to put them on ; 
Now, we're free! my honest townsmen, 
See ! our shackles broke and gone." 

Then dropping into his carriage a* resem- 
blance of chains, broken, intending to con- 
vey to the welcome visitor that he had set 
free the men of Rye. 

On passing through the Tower, a great 
number of fowlingpieces, not sparingly load- 
ed, were discharged. The procession parad- 
ed the town, which seemed nearly covered 
with blue, for 



i4$ 

In every street throughout the town, 
There hung the favourite hue ; 

Across the streets most proudly wav'd 
The favourite colour " Blue." 

The ladies were bedecked with blue, yet no 
one looked blue except the adherents of Dr. 
Lamb. After parading the town they pro- 
ceeded to the Pole Marsh, where a sumptu- 
ous entertainment was provided, to celebrate 
the triumphant return of Colonel Evans to 
Parliament. 

The bells sent forth their stirring peals, 

Joy beam'd in ev'ry eye, 
Throughout the day they seem'd to say, 

Evans ! and victory ! 

And, to sum up the whole, it was a happy 
day. 

The Sluice at Scot's Float was a beam in 
the eyes of the inhabitants of Kye ; and to 
remove this evil was the determination of 
many, as a late Act of Piarliament for the 
accomplishment of certain alterations had 
not been performed. 

In the evening of the 26th of April, 1830; 
the Town Band proceeded to the Sluice, and 
a small number of the inhabitants accompa- 
nied the musical detachment. Here "John- 
ny Barleycorn," with bis volubility, and bis* 



150 

mighty and unrivalled power, induced a few 
to attack the Sluice. A despatch was sent to 
Rye for implements of destruction, and soon 
a great supply of saws, axes, and crow-bars, 
with a reinforcement of " Sappers and Mi- 
ners" arrived, when the work of demolition 
commenced. By the morning, all the upper 
works were entirely destroyed, and soon af- 
terwards the bridge. Numbers now proceed- 
ed to the scene of action, and several volun- 
teered their services, when the Gates were 
soon removed, and the beams sawn asunder. 
Men, women, and children were, through the 
agency of Mr. Barleycorn, engaged in this 
scene. 

For three nights and days the Sluice was 
in possession of the merciless enemy. About 
noon on the 28th, Herbert Curteis, Esq., M. 
P., a County Magistrate, proceeded to the 
spot, and tried to prevail on the populace to 
desist and to return home, but to no effect; 
he then read the Riot Act, and this had a- 
bout the same effect as the Church Liturgy 
would on a sleepy congregation. 

In the evening, Mr. Curteis returned with 
-an armed force of Blockade, and several 



151 

^Landowners on horseback, who took their 
.stand on the broken Bridge. The Riot Act 
was read again, without having any effect on 
the tumultuous assembly. 

Nearly one thousand people had asse nib- 
bled, many of whom began to arm themselves 
and prepared for an attack. Things now be^ 
gari to assume a serious aspect, as neither 
party would withdraw. The Blockade were 
drawn up, two deep, on part of the broken 
Bridge, one yard behind them was the water 
rushing through the Sluice. The people drew 
up before them, armed with various wea- 
pons. Order was now given to foe, by Mr. 
Curteis. Here «ns>ued a " Bull run," a scene 
of confusion, men, women, and children run- 
ning in various directions, for most of them 
came to the conclusion, that discretion was 
the better part of valour, so that any person 
would suppose they were attempting to ven> 
fy the old adage, 

'Tis he who fights and runs away 
|flay live to fight another day. 

But the order, " fire," was fortunately not o? 

foeyed, and the Blockade retired. 

The next day a great number of Blockade 



I5£ 

proceeded again to the scene of action, whoSe 1 
force was greatly increased by fresh arrivals. 
In the evenings detachment of Foot Soldiers, 
from Hythe, arrived ; and in the night two 
Irdep^ of ftorse Soldiers ; with this over- 
whelming force, the populace deemed it pru- 
dent to retire. 

Several of the leading and most active men 
were indicted, and compelled to find bail for 
their appearance at the Assizes at Lewes. 
The case was removed to the Assizes at 
Kingston, where they were honourably ac- 
quitted. 

The above' may be considered a; war be- 
tween the Landholders and the Town; but, 
in those days, the Harbour was every thing 
and no Candidate for the Borough would 
think of issuing an address without mention- 
ing the « Harbour," endeavouring to make 
people believe that our quays might be lined 
with ships of all nations and of all sizes ; 
that we should have more business than we 
could do, and more money than we could 
spend. Colonel Evans being considered as 
greatly in favour of improving the Harbour, 
and using his influence in behalf of those pro-* 



153 

secuted for demolishing the Sluice, is the 
cause of my introducing it amongst the poli- 
tics of Rye. 

In August of the same year, a Dissolutions 
of Parliament took place, when Messrs. 
Hugh Duncan Bailie and Francis Robert 
Bonham were Candidates for the Corporati- 
on, and Colonel Evans and Mr. Benjamin 
Smith for the Town. The former polled 12 
freemen (?), the latter upwards of 200 house- 
holders. In spite of the late decision of Par- 
liament, the Corporation returned their men. 

In 1831 another Dissolution took place, 
when Messrs. Thomas Pemberton and Philip 
Pusey offered themselves for the Corporation. 
Colonel Evans and Mr. Benjamin Smith had 
given up all hopes of success ; but the Colo- 
nel, being very desirous of obtaining a Seat 
in Parliament, was trying the feelings of 
the voters of Preston. A few of the « Men of 
Rye" had not lost sight of him, and being 
determined that he should be nominated a- 
gain, proceeded to Preston, by chaise, a dis-^ 
tance of 280 miles. 

At five o'clock, in the morning, on the day^ 
of nomination, a chaise, covered with mud* 9 



154 

dashed through the ancient gateway, rattled 
along the street to the George Hotel, when 
Colonel Evans made his appearance. The 
Town was soon in a stir, and a popular ex- 
citement in his favour was visible. This in- 
duced Dr. Lamb to send for a small detach- 
ment of Coast-Guards, to be stationed at 
Mountsfield. This being the day of nomina- 
tion, the Court Hall was early besieged. In 
the course of the morning, a Coast-Guards- 
man placed himself in front of the Hall, 
close by the steps facing Lion street, armed ; 
he was immediately seized, and roughly too, 
taken into the Lion Inn, and afterwards con- 
ducted out of town. 

The sight of this Coast-Guard, together 
with the knowledge of there being a party at 
Mountsfield, and that several members of the 
Pugilistic fraternity were introduced by the 
Reverend Patron, raised the ire of the men 
of Rye, and produced the wildest uproar 
imaginable. 

Here was a picture in a Christian land, 
produced by Dr. Lamb, who rejected the 
votes of the scot and lot householder, which 
Parliament] had previously sanctioned; for, 



155 

when Colonel Evans unseated Mr. Pusey, 
the Committee of the House of Commons re- 
solved, "That all men residing in the Town 
of Kye, being householders, paying scot and 
lot, are free," and by that decision, he, Colo- 
nel Evans, took the seat of Mr. Pusey, hav- 
ing the greatest number of votes. But the 
Doctor treated this decision with contempt, 
as well as the men of Rye. 

Usage like this, and from a Reverend per- 4 
sonage, was like adding fuel to fire ; and 
Colonel Evans, wide awake, was not behind 
in fanning the flame. 

The people became very turbulent, and en- 
thusiasm for liberty was raging to madness ; 
and so vehement were they in the expression 
of their sentiments, that no one dared to 
speak evil of Colonel Evans, or in praise of 
Doctor Lamb. 

False rumours were daily circulated, vin- 
dictive feelings were kept alive, and ani- 
mosity created, by the Colonel's party, prin- 
cipally through the medium of the press. 

The iron railings of the Court Hall were 
demolished, and men armed themselves with 
tiie same ; the stones at the bottom of East 



156 

Street were pulled up to form a Barricade, 
and for ammunition too as well; but as the 
Mayor and his friends approached unguard- 
ed, they were allowed to proceed to the Court 
Hall, the place of nomination, without the 
least molestation. 

This Election was to be by freemen alone ; 
and, be it remembered, that Colonel Evans 
had only three freemen on his side. 

The nomination was one of confusion, and 
as Dr. Lamb seemed immoveable and invul- 
nerable to all attacks, the case became des- 
perate in the extreme. A whirldwind was now 
sown and a storm was about to be reaped ; 
for in the night, the windows, frames, and 
shutters of the Bank, the Mayor's, the Town 
Clerk's, and others, of the old Tory party, 
were completely smashed. 

Fear now appeared visible in several of 
the old Corporate body, who considered it 
not safe to venture to the poll. In conse- 
quence of which Dr. Lamb's power failed, as 
the freemen refused to vote, considering it 
not safe, as the Town seemed determined to 
have Colonel Evans returned. It was, there- 
fore, about noon that the old party made 



157 

overtures of peace. Plenipotentiaries were 

sent, by Colonel Evan's party, to negotiate, 

which ended in the withdrawal of Mr. Pu- 

sey, and the admission of Colonel Evans: 

But often it will follow 

"That these violent delights have violent ends; 
And in their triumphs die; Kke fire and powder, 
Which, as they kiss, consume." 

Rye now resounded throughout the coun- 
try ; it became the all absorbing topic of the 
day; its reformers were toasted in every 
Town, and in almost every Society, and their 
daring conduct was greatly admired, and 
thsir achievements were hailed with joy by 
thousands. 

Reform was universally discussed and 
universally demanded, whilst the rotten-bo- 
rough system shook to its foundation. Petiti- 
ons were sent to the King, Lords, and Com- 
mons, from all quarters, calling loudly for 
reform. At last the desire of the millions was 
complied with ; but not until Lord Broug- 
ham, on his bended knee, beseeched the des- 
potic Lords to sanction the bill so nobly car- 
ried in the Commons. 

In 1832, this bill became the law of the 



158 

land, and Dr. Lamb, thereby, became like 
Samson, who, when he lost his locks lost his 
power. Although it deprived Rye of one of 
its members, it added to it an Electoral Dis- 
trict, consisting of Winchelsea, Icklesham, 
Udimore, part of Brede, Peasmarsh, Iden, 
Playden, East Guldeford, and Broomhill on 
the Sussex side. 
The first list of voters was as follows : — 

Rye 217 Udimore 9 Playden 15 

Winchelsea 40 Peasmarsh 32 Guldeford 6 

Icklesham 29 Iden 16 Part off Brede 6 

Total 369 

In December following a general election 
took place. The polling was in the Cattle 
Market; and it seemed impossible that any 
man but Colonel Evans could be returned; 
and particularly one of the Curties family, 
who, with the Ryers, stood not in very high 
repute. 

The Old Corporation being now shorn of 
its usurpation, it was anticipated that free- 
dom would become universal throughout the 
Electoral District, but its radiancy soon be- 
came dim ; the voters, like the chameleon, 
changed their colours; being more or less 
loaded with the shackles of dependency. 



159 

Here began the turmoil of political con- 
vulsion. 

Mr. Jeremiah Smith was strongly solicited 
to take the lead in this forlorn cause, and at 
last he consented. He then persued a strict 
election course ; that was, " He took all the* 
good for himself, and left all the harm for his* 
opponents*" 

Whilst many on the frenzied height 

Of Freedom could not stay ; 
Reluctantly retrac'd their steps, 

Forc'd by compulsion's sway. 

At the first registration, Mr. Smith' was* 
not inactive in the cause in which he had 
embarked. In each Parish in the Electoral 1 
District he formed a Committee, and was* 
continually holding conferences with them,, 
using his high pressure influence wherever it 
was required. Hence liberty began to he- 
strangled, and enthusiasm stifled. 

The Colonel had unfortunately made a di- 
vision amongst his old and firm supporters ; 
he, therefore, not only lost their support but 
their interest also. In fact, it was a suicidal 
attempt, on his part, to discard his well-tried* 
friends, hoping thereby to gain the Tory sup- 
port. I should think, if in his military tactics? 



160 

lie were not more cute than he was in his po- 
litical camp, he never ought to meet with 
promotion in the army. 

The Tories did not like the Colonel, and 
would not vote for him on any account what- 
ever ; whilst, on the other hand, the Curteis 
family possessed extensive property, great 
influence, and many friends in the neigh- 
bourhood. The Bank influence was very 
great, and very strict, as no one dared to 
vote for Colonel Evans who was receiving 
favours from that source, 

I, no doubt, shall offend, when I say his 
Committee was formed of men of little or no 
influence ; composed of light weight friends. 
I say this without any disparagement of 
them ; it being visible to all that the rich will 
always be the possessors of power. 

Colonel Evans was opposed by Captain 
Edward Barrett Curteis ; whereby a great 
excitement was produced, by having him 
forced on an exasperated constituency. 

The Captain opened all the public houses, 
except two, in the District, for many days 
previously to the election ; and every voter 
and friend of his were unsparingly regaled- 



161 

This drew many lovers of the belly from the 
principle that they professed; and, looking 
into the u golden kaleidoscope " they became 
bewildered with the different changes, and 
felt desirous of being changed themselves ; 
and thus, many became degenerated ; and, 
perhaps, as the poet says, 

" At Gold's bewitching charms the franchise flies, 
The meaner sell it, and the rich man buys." 

But there was one, although poor i& pocket,. 

was rich in principle, who never swerved 

from supporting and advocating reform and 

free trade ; in this he stood second to none. 

Few, if any, ran through a series of years* 

of tfrial like unto this man, Edward Easton,. 

Saddler. 

On each day of the election there were a- 
bout 300 special constables, some to protect 
one side- and some* the* other. From those pro- 
tectors of the peace much alarm* was antici- 
pated, each one being arrived with a large 
bat ; and when m marching order, they ap- 
peared to be more for war than for peace. 

Great numbers of eggs were thrown at and 
amongst the friends of Captain Gurteis ; and* 
&ke the way of the world, he who has plenty 



162 

of this world's goods will have the most given 
to him. This was the case with Mr, Smith, 
the Wellington of the day, who had more 
than his share; but many thought, no more 
than he deserved ; for he had rendered him- 
self particularly obnoxious by his zeal in the 
cause of Captain Curteis. 

Over the door of the School, opposite Lion 
Street, an opening was made and a platform 
erected for Colonel Evans to address his 
friends from, and to bully those who opposed 
him. Now, this was more of a bounce than 
otherwise, for the Captain was not to be 
frightened into obedience, nor bullied into 
submission. The Borough was open and free 
to be contended for by any one. If Colonel 
Evans was to hold it by intimidation, it 
might as well have remained as heretofore. 

After two days' strenuous efforts, on both 
sides, the result of the poll was, for 

Colonel Evans 128. Captain Curteis 162. 
Majority for the Captain 34. But had the 
ballot been introduced, the Colonel would 
have been triumphantly elected; without 
which, elections are a negative and a mock- 
tary. Liberty, in a certain sense, is only the- 



res 

oretical producing practically an extincti^ 
on of an Englishman's rights. 

When shall man be independent? 
Ah ! when shall man be always free? 
Give him only once the Ballot! 
Then, there's an end to tyranny. 

Threats and promises shall vanish, 
Coercion then shall be no more, 
Then shall man be free for ever, 
A blessing never known before. 

Then, and not till then, will darkness pass 
away, and the rule of right be better under^ 
stood. 

At the close of the poll the confusion be-- 
came very great. The Poll -book was destroy- 
ed, and fear was anticipated that it might- 
end in some serious result. Here the old ad- 
age was fully verified, and very mueteto the 
satisfaction of the " peaceable " assembly,, 
that, " after a storm comes a calm." Colonel 
Evans soon retired from the conflicting scene^ 
discarding every friend- as well as foe. Ther 
fact is, disguise it as any one may, he was a 
popularity-hunting man. He inflated the peo- 
ple of Rye with his fiery speeches, inflaming 
their passions, and perverting their reason ; 
causing them to soar above the height of pru~ 
d&nce, and extend beyond the bounds of rea*» 



164 

son, then rejecting them, by saying they had 
used him ill. This was Irish gratitude for 
English fidelity. 

Both Candidates were considered to be 
Liberals, but neither of them had any more 
claim to liberalism than an hypocrite has to 
piety. Colonel Evans, when he first offered 
himself as a Candidate for the Borough, was 
a nondescript, neither Tory, Whig, nor Ra- 
dical. As for Captain Curteis, he, like many 
others, started under false colours, and has 
long since proved himself to be an inveterate 
political tyrant. He has outlived his reputa- 
tion, and cancelled all political confidence. 
Both Tories and Whigs suspect him, as no 
one can place reliance in such an oscillating 
politician. 

Some may be desirous to know if I had a 
vote, and for whom I voted ? To the first 
question, yes ; to the second, Colonel Evans. 

As the amelioration of mankind is at all 
times satisfactory, so the opening of the Bo- 
rough was considered just. It assumed the 
form of a benefit conferred, by removing ma- 
ny obstacles, and granting a right which the 
inhabitants heretofore never enjoyed. It 



165 

brought the mind and disposition of many out 
in full relievo, as the dawn of morning pre- 
sents to view objects which had heretofore 
been concealed in utter darkness. So with 
the men of Rye, the rank Tory became a 
Whig to gain office : the Radical soon lost 
his fierceness, and became docile as a "Lamb.'' 

There were anxious feelings displayed by 
many, to displace one set of men from power 
and to place another in their stead ; and 
since, like the frogs in the fable, have desired 
that those whom they once rejected might 
reign over them again. 

The Reform Bill created an active sensa- 
tion in the minds of many ; it gave them a 
vote without a power to exercise it; it held 
out many promises which could never be re- 
alized ; it created several grades of officers, 
calculated for two purposes, first, to place 
those pleased with office into office, and, se- 
cond, to give power to those in power ; it 
created a number of voters, denominated Bur- 
gesses, who vote for a smaller number termed 
Councillors, men, who in return, by way of 
a compliment, present annually a Borough 
Rate. These men elect the Mayor and Alder- 



109 

men, shake them by the hand, converse with 
them freely, and are invited to all festivals. 
These honours are so enchanting, so over- 
powering, that they forget the time when 
they declared that M Lambs were Lions," and 
that the "Family Compact" should be broken* 

Mr. Smith, after the triumph over Colonel 
Evans, was not remiss, in the cause he had 
undertaken; and, to make it firm, he turned 
his attention to the Municipal Government 
of the Borough. He had now fixed his whole 
soul, mind, and thought on it, so that nothing 
could detach him from it, or deter him. The 
Reform Bill destroyed the Family Compact, 
and he used every means in his power to 
establish another; and, in this he succeeded. 
He raised up persons, without ability to the 
highest pinacle of power, and placed per- 
sons in office to suit his purpose. 

Now, soon as full power was attained, the 
old system began to revive, serving to show 
the true nature of man, particularly so in the 
reforming party ; that is, in selecting, through 
favouritism, exclusiveness, and selfishness* 
men of little minds or who had no minds at 
all; men easily turned, easily gained to sup- 



167 

port a system once denounced by them as 
unjust; which was, to confine the power and 
privileges amongst the chosen few. 

Although Mr. Smith had not the absolute 
power of the Reverend ex-nominee, he had 
a power by which what he willed was per- 
formed ; for he seemed to acquire an uncon- 
trolable influence over the Voters, Burgesses, 
Councilmen, and sometimes the Mayor ; and, 
as Mr. Holloway expressed himself, respect- 
ing Mr. Procter, the Mayor under the old 
dynasty, "He certainly occupied the throne '. 
but, as is often the case, there was a power 
behind greater than that on the throne," for 
almost every Overseer, Guardian, Harbour 
Commissioner, Councillor, or Mayor was 
chosen or elected as he desired ; for he, like 
a Colossus, bestrode the Borough, and the 
road to honour and office was within his 
stride. 

At times some one would appear to be a 
little independent, but a jerk of the rein, or a 
snap of the whip, set the unruly animal right 
again. 

Many of those who were once supposed to 
be honest partisans, might have been likened 



168 

to a man in a crowd, who wishing to get 

forward, shouts out, " Push along." But when 

he arrives at his destination, or obtains his 

object, he peremptorily demands, " What are 

you pushing about? eh !" 

They're like the bees, they cease their bams, 
When in the flow'r the honey comes. 

The fact is, most men talk too much when 

out of office, and do too little when in ; for 

Man is but a selfish creature, 

In pow'r 'tis daily shown ; 
When out, he's for the many. 

When in, for self alone. 

There seems to be an invisible influence 
acting upon the mind of man, which fills him 
with ambitious motives and desires, causing 
him to be ever ready to acquiesce and bow to 
the will of any dictator, so that office may be 
obtained ; or, as the Poet says, 

Pleas'd to the last he crops his flow'ry food, 
And fawns upon the hand that takes his blood. 

I have seen many men, heart and hand in 
the cause of freedom, now degraded by their 
ambitious leaders, who, soon as they had ob- 
tained ambition's height, kicked away the 
ladder, not caring on whom it fell. 

Swift said, " Party was the madness of the 



169 

many for the benefit of the few." How right- 
ly was this assertion verified by many who 
opposed the old Corporation and supported 
the new ; and who have suffered oppression 
under the 

" Proud man's contumely," 
which has often made them feel the full 
weight of the Poet's ideas, when he said, 

Better to bear the ills we have 

Than fly to others that we wot not of. 

But still, it is the duty of all to assist in a 

good cause. 

Mr. Smith was now considered to be the 
patron of the Borough and king of the Electo- 
ral District ; and though he has had many 
rebels and traitors to contend with, he still 
proudly maintains his high position. 

In 1834, an election took place, when Capt. 
Curteis was opposed by Capt. Moneypenny. 
In this contest Capt. Curteis was returned. 

In 1837, another election took place, when 
H. B. Curteis offered himself in room of his 
brother, and was opposed by Capt. Money- 
penny, and Mr. Farncomb, of London. 

This election was somewhat like the Fa- 
ble of the Lion, Tiger, and Fox ; whilst the 



no 

two former were disagreeing about their 
prey, the Fox seized the booty. Mr. Curteis 
and Mr. Smith differed about some financial 
affairs; in consequence of which Mr. Farn- 
comb was introduced, when Captain Money- 
penny came forward and was honourably e- 
lected. 

Many supposed that Mr. Smith was mak- 
ing this a Pocket Borough, as it was before 
the passing of the Reform Bill; but, if the 
balance sheet was inspected, it would, no 
doubt, prove to the contrary. 

Many a knotty piece of string 

He had to match and join ; 
And for his pains, no doubt, he got 

By far more kicks than coin. 

In 1842, an election took place, when H. 
B. Curteis and C. H. Frewen, were candi- 
dates. In this contest H. B. Curteis was suc- 
cessful. 

In 1847, H. B. Curteis was opposed by 
Mr. Williams, and returned by a large ma- 
jority. 

In 1849, Mr. Curteis died, and his son, H. 
M. Curteis, succeeded him. 

In 1852, Mr. Smith was busily engaged in 
returning Mr. W. A. Mackinnon, junior, to 



m 

Parliament, against Mr. R.C. Pomfret, which 
he did by a majority of 34. 

1 shall, without apologizing for making a 
digression, endeavour to describe a scene 
which occurred during the canvass and elec- 
tion of Mr. Mackinnon. Public-houses were 
opened free to all, and the scenes of dissipa- 
tion were disgraceful ; yet the Candidate, 
like all others, declared that he was a Pro- 
testant and a supporter of religion. There 
were men and women, boys and girls, drunk. 
Some were brawling drunk, some crying 
drunk, some singing drunk, some fighting 
drunk, some stupid drunk, some cunning 
drunk, some crazy drunk, and some dead 
drunk. But the strangest part of this story is, 
that those who profess to be " not as other 
men are " should sanction such proceedings ; 
and many now will say, as treating is not 
sanctioned, that the " good old times" have 
passed away. 

Many, no doubt, who may not know Mr. 
Smith, would wish to; therefore, a slight 
sketch of his character may be somewhat 
interesting. He was born at Cadboro' Farm, 
in the Parish of Rye, and was a Farmer and 



172 

Grazier, and has been the greatest hop and 
wool grower in the kingdom. He was a 
thorough business man. His political foes 
painted him in very dark colours, endeavour- 
ing to show him full of faults. His friends 
were also on the extreme, showing him out in 
the brightest tints, and making him almost 
immaculate. Both parties revel in misrepre- 
sentations ; therefore, truth never fairly ap- 
pears. 

He had his faults, bear that in mind, 
If not, how difTrent from mankind. 

He is not free from specks or stains ; still, 
his character will stand the test with 
friend or foe. 

In his Magisterial capacity he acted as 
leader, dispensing justice sparingly, a too 
common occurrence in small jurisdictions 
like Rye. Seeking justice, is, generally, sy- 
nonymous to the saying of " seeking a needle 
in a load of hay," resembling the " Wolf 
and Lamb" justice so frequently practised 
here. 

The system of the "Wolf and Lamb" 

Is very prevalent here ; 
And if by chance you justice get, 

You'll have to pay most dear. 



m 

In politics he was as Gulliver was 'amongst 
the Lilliputians, he carried all before him* 
His will seemed to be almost omnipotent ; as 
rich and poor bent to his sway. In his ef* 
forts to gain an object he excited the admi- 
ration of his party, and in all his proceed* 
ings commanded respect. In difficulties ne- 
ver daunted, and in carrying out his well- 
planned schemes he used a manly energy. 
A more energetic and enterprising man is 
seldom found. 

Once Mr. Smith was, in the estimation of 
the Tories, a hero ; and now they would de- 
grade him to the lowest degree* Once he was 
considered, by them, to be every thing that 
a man could be, and now, every thing that a 
man should not be. His good qualities they 
show up by the flickering rushlight of envy, 
hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness, and 
his bad ones through a multiplying and mag~ 
nifying optic in the bright light of noon day , 
yet, amidst all their puny attacks, he still 
remained invulnarable. 

When he defeated Mr. Pomfret he became 
the object of Tory hatred. Reviled by this 
ever persecuting body, who endeavoured by 



174 

every means, by malice and artfulness, by 
attacking his public character and his for- 
tune, to compel him to retire and leave the 
Liberal party without a leader. They would 
have been pleased to have driven him to des- 
peration and even unto death. 

Here is *' Loving your neighbour as your- 
self."" 

There is a law, and old it is* 

And yet not obsolete, 
And to obey what it requires 

With lew you'll ever meet. 

"Love thy neighbour as thyself." 

But, yet in Rye His very strange 
With those who have the votes, 

Each party they have just that love 
They'd cut each other's throats. 

The defeat of Mr. Pomfret became, amongst 
the Tories, mortifying in the extreme; stung 
almost to madness, and sunk into despair, 
ttiey; were determined to be avenged, for the 
inveteracy of their malice became no longer 
endurable, and, therefore, cried aloud for 
vengeance. Here wrathful and deadly enmity 
sprung up, and, like a volcanic eruption, 
belched forth with fiery indignation and un- 
governable rage; removing the landmarks of 
friendship amongst the political party. Here 



115 

the demon of tyranny appeared, and the ex~ 
tent of his evil inclination Tine w no bounds. 

The first step taken by the Tory party, was 
to petition Parliament against the return of 
Mr. Mackinnon, who in consequence vaca- 
ted his seat. 

The next, stung by its Scorpian-tail, was 
to delineate the true spirit of the u Dog in 
the manger," for not being able to disarm 
Mr. Smith of his power, they were determin- 
ed, as they could not return Mr. Pomfret, 
that no one else should be returned. In this 
spirit they petitioned Parliament to disfran^ 
chise the Borough, and the following persons 
signed the Petition. 

Rye. -Rye. 

R. C. Pomfret, Banker J. Daniel, Grocer 

T. S. Pix, ,, J. Lord, 19 

J. Bellingham, ,, W. Henbrey „ 

R. Alee, Auctioneer W. Smith, Ship-owner 

H. Whitmarsh, Lawyer G. Hilder, Ironmonger 

H. E. Paine J. E. Newby, 

W\ Atkins, Fellmonger G. Walker, Saddler 

J.-Sellman, Farmer G. Smith, Carpenter 

I. Parsons, Bookseller W. Mills, „ 

C, Stewart, Chaplain R.U. J. Hayward, Butcher 
R. Lancaster, Pipe Maker C. Elliss, Confectioner 

•J, "Newbery, Tailor E. Featherstone, BakeT 

C Thomas, Senior, ,, E. J- Heath 

.J. Adamson, Surgeon W, Goltlen, Draper 



176 



Rye. 
J. Chrismas, Innkeeper 
G. Skinner 
R. Chester 
C. Cuff 
E. B. Curteis 

G. A. Lamb, D.D. 
S. Pix, Farmer 
J. Body, „ 
J. Catt, Butcher 
J. Henbrey, Miller 



Winchelsea. 
W. Longley, Farmer 
H. Hoad, 
C, Hill 

R. Paine, Blacksmith. 
R. C. Stileman 
G. Blackman, Grocer 
T. Dawes 
J. Claise 

Icklesham. 
J ! . Simmons, Farmer 
J. T. Jenner ., 



W. G. Marley, Innkeeper H. Farncombe, 



Plavden, 
S. Elliott, Farmer 
T. Elliott, 
J. Elliott, „ 

J. Burgess ,, 

T. H. Payne 

Guldeford. 
S. H. Chapman, Brewer 



J. Mortimer 

Peasmarsh. 
R. Horton, Farmer 
T. Howard, ,, 

S* Lawrence 

Udimore. 
W. Fuller, Farmer 
"W. Woodhams, „ 
P. D, Stonham, Miller 

Base men, of Rye, little minded, 
Shame be for ever to each name, 
Once herald over all the world, 
Emblazon'd on the Scroll of Fame. 

Degenerated Sons of Freedom, 

Where will you hide yourselves from shame ? 

Once the boast of bold Reformers, 

Now ! a disgrace to that proud name. 

At this stage of political improvement it 
requires progression, and greater develop- 
ment, not retrogading, into slavish fear and 
tyranical bondage ; but an advancement in 
reform. Not to disfranchise, but enfranchise 



177 

in every possible means, and no relaxing till 
every man can sing, with joy and glee 

" Britons never shall be slaves," 
which chorus the above can never appreciate. 
This Petition stated that grevious bribery 
had prevailed not only at the last election, 
but at all preceding elections. This, to the 
honour of Rye, is as false as to say that 
"black is white," for the majority in favour 
of the Liberal cause was so great, that bribe- 
ry could be of no avail, unless on the Tory 
side. Some of the elections were not even 
contested ; consequently there could be no 
bribery. This assertion was absolutely ridi- 
culous, only serving to illustrate the frantic 
despair of drowning men catching at una* 
vailing straws. 

"A base, despotic band, 
Who, to the utmost of their power, 
Oppress their native land." 

There was coercion, intimidation, and 

political intrigues, to an unlimited extent, 

I practised by both parties, which no one can 
reasonably deny ; and there always will be, 
more or less, in the absence of the ballot. 

This Petition was presented by Mr. Bass, 
who said, "All he desired was to give notice 



R8 

that he should ask leave to introduce a Bill' 
for the Disfranchisement of the Borough of 
Kye. 

In this unprincipled course of policy Mr. 
Pomfret stands at the head of the Petition. 
And Mr. R.. Alee, who was formerly "Orator 
Puff" soon as Reform was obtained, became 
as changeable as the wind, who with others, 
graced this ever memorable memento of ever- 
lasting infamy with their signatures. 

Here the phial of wrath began pouring on 
the head of Mr. Smith, as the above proving 
a failure, they immediately commenced a 
secret prosecution, to eke out their spite a- 
gainst him ; and in that dastardly attempt 
succeeded. 

At the ensuing election, in 1853, Mr. Pom- 
fret again contested the Borough against Mr. 
Mackinnon, father of the late member. 

Mr. Pomfret,, at his first nomination, was 
introduced as a thorough " Protectionist," at 
the next, a " Free Trader." 

This shows what mean tricks man will a- 
dopt to gain, what is deemed, honour. 

This is somewhat like the Chesapeake that 
fought the Shannon in the American war>. 



179 

wliich had a flag with the inscription " Free 
Trade," in hopes that it might paralize the 
efforts or damp the energy of the Shannon's- 
crew. 

%he ahove introduction of Mr. Pomfret, 
like the Chesapeake's flag, had no effect, for, 
at the close of the poll, a majority of "34" 
again stared him full in the face; and thus 
Mr. Smith maintained, his* proud pre-emi- 
nence over Tory influence. 

In this election it was faction, not princi- 
ple that influenced many of the voters. It is 
sometimes said, " Men of little minds," but 
in this it was " men of no minds." First vote 
for a "Protectionist," then for a " Free Tra- 
der," and for a man who would deprive them 
of their votes* 

Now, if Mr. Pomfret was^ as liberalan po- 
litico as he is in dispensing justice it would 
have beens a disgrace to Rye in rejecting 
him; for, with the exception of; Mr. H. B. 
Curteis, no Candidate, since the passing of 
the Reform-Bill, has been- so able to repre- 
sent the Boraugh as he. 

There is an old saying, " Both tarred with 
me brush," which applies very forcibly to* 



180 

ifhe above two Candidates, as both were op- 
posed to the Reform Bill. Mr. Mackinnoa 
voted against it in the Commons, and Mr. 
Pomfret opposed it out. 

No one would have dared to predict, when 
Rye was so strenuous in obtaining reform, 
that two Candidates of the above description 
would be so bold as to offer themselves to 
represent this (Borough in Parliament, and 
that the men of Rye would be so base as te 
vote for them. Not a Wellington would have 
been bold enough, or a Nelson daring enough, 
for Lynch Law would probably have been 
the result. 

In March, 1854, Mr. Smith was convicted, 
~at the Central Criminal Court, of wilful and 
corrupt perjury, and sentenced to one years' 
imprisonment within Newgate Gaol. 

The Recorder, in passing sentence, said, 
That in all probability, if it bad not been for 
your voluntary statement, upon that second 
occasion, this circumstance never would have 
neen disclosed, or have <^ome to light, and 
that the real truth never would have been 
iascertained. 

JDuring his confinement, memorials were 



181 

-sent to Her Majesty, praying for a release 
from confinement, -signed by a vast number 
of Members of Parliament, Merchants, and 
almost ever v y influential person in the City. 

His prison was,. in fact, a Court, and Le- 
vees were held there daily, as he was visited 
by throngs of sympathising friends, whose 
presence proved ,t hat 

"Stone walls do not a prison make, 
Nor iron bars a cage." 

The impression made on the minds df the 
public was, that Mr. Smith was severely and 
unjustly treated, and, in a certain sense ille- 
gally convicted, as he committed the offence 
before a Committee of the House of Com- 
mons, and acknowledged^ the same before the 
Committee, and that that Committee did not 
see it necessary or just to prosecute ; and 
then that a masked prosecutor, a villanous 
scoundrel, a black hearted vindictive wretch, 
a " Judas," who loved darkness rather than 
light, a being who had no character to lose, 
or, as Mr. H. M. Curteis said, on Mr. 
Smith's atrial, " some sneaking coward, who 
is afraid of his own name," backedby a mo- 
vpejed and avenging enemy, should be allo.^ 



182 

ed to veil himself by using the name of the 
Queen versus Smith. Now, if this be law, it 
is a disgraceful law, and he who takes ad- 
vantage of it is a disgrace to that proud name 
" English-man.-" 

Ah, there's many a one, in ages to come, 
Will think of this Judas, the vilest oi scum. 

Yet the supporters of this prosecution are 
opposed to the ballot, it looks, they say, un- 
English ; they prefer seeing men come for- 
ward boldly. Where was their " boldness" 
then ? I think that every noble minded per- 
son must be lost for words to express his in- 
dignation at this vile proceeding of those 
cowardly nimrods. 

The Tories, to perpetuate this diabolical 
act, intend that the following epitaph shall 
be placed on a black marble monument over 
this u Judas's" grave : 

" Here lies the vilest dust of the sinfulest wretch 
That ever the devil delayed to fetch ; 
But the reader will grant it was needless he should,. 
When he saw he was coming- as last as he could." 

Previous to this trial, Major Curteis^ had 
obtained from Mr. Smith's confidential Clerk 
(a strict Wesleyan) a copy of his master's- 
books and papers. This, 1 should think, was* 



183 

one of the meanest actions on record, espe- 
cially when his (Mr. ■ Curteis's) wealth and 
position are considered. Yet, this man is al- 
lowed to hold the office of Magistrate, and to 
pass sentence on those who would shrink 
from such base and perfidious conduct as the 
above. 

On Thursday, July 27, 1854, a telegram 
reached Rye, which flew throughout the town; 
with amazing rapidity. It was as follows : 

" Mr. Jeremiah Smith is liberated, by or-- 
der of Her Majesty. Every member of the 
jury previously signed a certificate of belief 
in his innocency." 

This news was hailed with a warmth of 
joy, which no description can gi\e an ade- 
quate idea of. The bells rang a joyful pealj, 
verifying the following lines, 

" Its noisy belfry 
Sends up a salutation to the sky, 
As if an army smote their brazen shields^. 
And shouted victory !" 

On the Landgate Tower waved in triumph 

the British flag. The ships in the harbour, 

as well as every flag-staff, were decorated 

with colours. Joy beamed in the countenance 

of young and old, rich and poor, except a few 3 



184 

whose rueful countenances bespoke sadness. 

The following is a copy of Her Majesty's 

'Pardon : 

Whereas, Jeremiah Smith was, at a Sessions of the 
^Central Criminal Court, holden in March, 1854, con- 
victed of Wilful and Corrupt Perjury, and sentenced 
to twelve month's imprisonment for the same. We, in 
-consideration of some circumstances, humbly represen- 
ted unto Us, are graciously pleased to extend Our 
grace and mercy unto him, and to grant him Our Free 
Pardon for the crime of which he stands convicted. 
Our Will and Pleasure therefore is, that you cause 
him, the said Jeremiah Smith, to be forthwith dischar- 
ged out of custody, and for so doing this shall be your 
warrant. 

Given at Our Court, at St. James/s, the 26th day 
of July, 1854, in the eighteenth year of Our reign. 
.By, Her Majesty's Command. 

Palmerston. 
To Our trusty and well beloved, the 
Governor of the Gaol of Newgate, 
and all others whom it may concern. 

The Tories, fired with indignation at Jus- 
tice's gracious act in the liberation of Mr. 
Smith, the victim of Tory spleen, inquired, 
in the House of Commons, through a Tory 
member, if the jury had signed as above, 
Lord Palmerston's reply was, that he had 
received, from the jury, the document to 
which the honourable gentleman referred. 

The Lord Chief Baron, in 1861, on the 



18^ 

trial of the Rev. Mr, Hatch, said, "A Royal! 
Pardon was a most authoritative declaration 
that the party had been wrongly convicted,, 
and that he was an innocent man." 

There are a few irrational beings, who j 
with their donkeyfied disposition, will not 
allow that Mr. Smith is a free man. The a- 
bove, I think, must be a silencer to invete- 
rate obstinacy. 

Wednesday, August 9, 1854, a day never 
to be forgotten, a proud day in the epoch of 
history, was ushered in by the " Merry fife 
and drum n and the ringing of bells. It was> 
the day on which Mr. Smith made his entry/ 
into Rye, after his release from prison. 

Previous to the arrival of the train by/ 
which Mr- Smith was expected, the influx: 
of people was very great, as every, surround- 
ing town,. village, and hamlet contributed f® 
the number assembled, for the sole purpose of 
giving him a hearty welcome, in order to > 
evince their detestation of the unmerited pu- 
nishment he had undergone. With joy they 
met to welcome him to that home from which « 
he had been sa cruelly and unjustly se^- 
parated* 



186 

A splendid Triumphal Arch was erected 
at the entrance of the Railroad Station, and 
an immense number of Fla^s and Banners 
were displayed throughout the town. From 
window to window were stretched many 
" Welcomes ." The ships m the harbour dis- 
played every available inch of bunting, add- 
ing to the gaiety of the scene. 

On the train's arrival, Mr. Smith was 
warmly received by the Corporation, who 
presented an address to him on the occasion. 
After the ceremony was over* he proceeded 
1© his carriage, wifeen the feeling of joy seem- 
ed to vibrate at his presence, for no sooner 
was he seated, than a simultaneous burst of 
applause ensued, which seemed to rend the 
air* 

Louder and louder grew the thundering din, 
Those shouls bespoke the pleasure felt within. 

In fact, I cannot give an adequate conception 
of the joyous feelings that existed on that 
occasion. 

I wish that all his enemies had been pre- 
sent, as they would then have seen in that 
reception a direct contradiction to the base 
calumnies that they had of late so industri- 
ously circulated against him. 



1ST 

A Procession being formed, headed by as* 
band playing "Cheer Boys, Cheer," slowly 
moved towards the Strand, then up the Mint;, 
through the Town to Springfield, the resi- 
dence of Mr. Smith. Throughout the route 
the cheering never ceased! In the Procession 
was a large and handsome Banner, on which 
was emblazoned a figure treading on a ser-* 
pent, writhing with pain, representing Jus- 
tice trampling upon Malice. 

If any man ever received an eager and*, 
hearty welcome, Mr. Smith did; and if noti 
the proudest day in his- lifetime, it was one* 
of the proudest. A day of triumph, accom- 
panied with a spontaneous offering of love: 
and respect, from a vast concourse of warm- 
hearted, sympathizing friends. He not' only/ 
silenced! his enemies, but triumphed' over J 
them as well, whilst no stigma can ever; be' 
left upon his memory. And that "there is a: 
soul of goodness in things evil,"' was fully 
verified, in. so much that the triumph was; 
greater than the defeat. So after all, Tory 
malice only served to gloss over that charac- 
ter which it endeavoured to tarnisho 



188 

Tn time to come there may be an inquiry 
for what Mr. Smith was incarcerated. His 
political enemies say, for perjury; his 
friends, say, for committing and correcting 
an error. To the above, Truth gives the fol- 
lowing version, and Reason draws the in- 
ference. 

A dinner was given on the retirement of 
Mr. Curteis from Parliament, about the pay- 
ment of which there was much equivocating ; 
so much, that the truth was never fairly re- 
vealed, for fear of injuring the return of Mr. 
Mackinnon as Member for Rye. The dinner 
was ordered by Mr. Curteis, and he ordered 
Mr. Smith to pay for it, being his Agent. 
Mr. Smith says, he never received a shilling 
from Mr. Mackinnon for it. Mr. Mackinnon 
says, he did not pay any one for it, but placed 
the money under a cushion on a sofa, when 
another person finds it and gives it to Mr. 
Smith, with which he pays for the dinner, 
and afterwards acknowledges it. This is a 
simple explanation of facts, which have been 
misrepresented by malice and ignorance. 

This election was conducted an a thought- 
iless manner, which over-confidence inspires. 



189 

There is an inherent weakness, more or less 5 
in all men, and perhaps never shown more 
than it was in this case. Mr. Smith, like a 
victorious general, having defeated his ene- 
mies in many engagements, seemed quite 
secure. He, therefore, invited enemies into 
his political circle to be his guests, and to 
partake of the hospitality prepared for them, 
who, in return, communicated to his direful 
foes the proceedings of his unguarded mo* 
ments ; the result was, Newgate. 1 know it 
is written, " Love your enemies," but to love 
a political enemy, is something like caress* 
ing a Hon. 

In 1857 an Election took place, but widely 
different from that of Colonel Evans's. In 
that there was Irish recklessness ; in this 
Scotch calculation, for Mr Mackinnoii was 
returned without opposition. 

He, like a sly mouse in a fine Stiltoncheese, 
Who humbugged the Cats, then sat at his ease. 
He can calculate well, a Scotchman is he, 
He cajol'd all his foes, and made himself free. 

In 1859 Mr. Mackinnon was again return* 

ed without opposition. 

That patriotic fire, which did each heart inspire, 
No longer burns-: 



190 

Almd'thc toil and strife in this' short 'span of life,* 
How many turns. 

In 1862 Mr. Smith. became involved in pe-r 
euniary difficulties, in consequence of which 
his long-standing popularity, respecting his 
political and municipal power, like a dis-^ 
solving view, began to disappear: so, at 
last,.the sceptre, which he had so long sway- 
ed* departed from him, and his name appear-* 
ed no more on the electoral register of voters, 
to the jpy> of his enemies and to the regret od 
his friends*. 

And whilst in.thebeight.of his glory, 
His name was emblazon'd afar, 
Alas ! the sceptre departed, 
U.e fell like a bright shooting star.. 

JBy his friends, lamented he was, 
His foes to rejoicing were led, 
And envy, and hatred, and malice, 
May reign fima while in his stead.. 

I have endeavoured to produce a history, 
that is truthful, and, free fronu ambiguity; 
yefy errors and inaccuracies may appear, 
but, I think there will not be found any of 
importance. 

One thing I would have the reader observe ; . 
which is, although I have not spared the To- 
ries collectively, yet, individually there are 



191 

good and worthy men amongst them, men 

who have hearts that can feel for another? 

for I do not believe that all Tories are bad* 

no more than I believe that all Whigs and 

Radicals are good. 

It is said, that we live in an "enlightened 

age," but when men give way to rancourous 

feelings, as they did at the recent contested 

-elections, it is no proof that such is the case* 

To convince, i select* as evidence, a few of 

the spleenful letter-press stimulants, issued 

by both parties, which envy named, and to 

which malice stood sponsor. 

Mr. Smith, King Jeremiah. 

Mr. Pomfret, Peer Richard, 

Mr. C. Hicks, Old Charley. 

Mr. Whitmarsh., Lanky Shark. 

Mr. T. II . Payne, Long Stockings, 

Mr. G. Walker, Laughing Hyaena. 

Mr. J. Judge, Bouncing Joe, 

Mr. H. E. Paine, Brass Knocker. 

Mr. J. Chrismas, Jack Holly, or the Fretful Porcupine* 

Mr. I. Parsons, Judas. 

Mr. J. E. Hunter, Nimrod <( King of the Demons)* 

Mr. J. Hemmings, Soapy. 

Mr. E. B. Curteis, Mad Major. 

Now, if these two parties were to rival 

-each other only in kindness instead of hatred^ 

I*ow much it would prevail to their recipro* 

cal Interest. 



192 

F mention this, without intending any per-" 
sonal disrespect, nor to create an unpleasant 
feeling, but merely to show to future gene- 
rations' the littleness of men's minds in this^ 
" enlightened age." 

Slander it is some's delight, 

With, temper full of ire ; 
Whoes tongues are like a flaming sword, , 

Whose words ere words of fire. 

APPENDIX. 

1838, October 17, Gas was first introduced^ 
1862, September 23, the Rev. H: Cooper 
died. A man who had tne respect, of the in- 
habitants by his gentlemanlike demeanour 
and non-interference in lay matters, and, I 
©aifesay, that; not a blot i can be found on his* 
escutcheon* 

His, character I, can depict, 

In words, and that a few ,• 
He lov'd his neighbour and his God, . 
And lov'd his belly too. 
1862, November 30, the Rev. S. B. Wright 
entered on his duties* He seems determined 
to make himself "worthy of his high calling." 
He likes to see his parishoners enjoy them- 
selves in mirthful and consistent recreation* 



103 

*A Gamei he never did swallow, 
And, one thing as pleasing as that, 
He never was known, so I've been told, 
Not even to strain at a Gnat. 

The Prince of Wales's Marriage was cele* 
'brated by a royal salute from the Battery* 
Donkey Racing, Foot Racing, Jumping in 
Sacks, Climbing Greasy Pole, &c, on the 
Town Salts, concluding with Fireworks and 
a Bonfire. Yet, amidst all this Loyalty, Ra- 
dicalism was, by the Tories, considered to 
be a crime. No, not for owe day, and such a 
day as that, could the bitter feelings of the 
enemy of all good be allayed. 

On such a day, I'm bold to say, 

Suoh conduct ne'er should be; 
The Tyrant then should lose his power, 

The Slave should then be free. 

1863, A Patent Slip-way at the Fislr- 
market was made. 

1863, June 2, A Clock was placed on the 
Land Gate Tower, At 6 o'clock p.m., it made 
its first announcement to the public that 
"time is flying." 

Continuation of the list of Mayors, from 
.page 63. 

1862, Alexander Bishop Vidler* Merchant. 

1863, George Edwards, Draper. 
4864, -Peter Broad, Tallowchandler 



194 

Continuation of the list of Mayors from 
page 55. 

1862, Robert Curteis Stileman, gent. 

1863, Ditto. 

1864, Ditto. 

1865, Charles Robins, gent. 

1865, April 24, A Brotherhood and Guest- 
ling was held at New Romney, to appoint a 
Solicitor for the Cinque Ports. 

These lines in truthfulness I've penn'd, 
From the beginning to the end. 
I know that some will jeer and say, 
" I could write better any day ; 
For who is Clark, who makes this fuss? 
We know him well, he's one of us; 
In fact, for him this work is well, 
But schoolboys now can him excel. 
His book, no doubt, if read, you*U find 
'Twill only please the little mind; 
With little learning, little sense, 
Having a share of great pretence : 
His writings he may think them clever,, 
And others too, but we sha'nt never* 

Observe. 

If I were rich, or were not known, 
How diff'rent then would be their tone. 
There's prejudice in this bright age, 
At it I'll laugh, 'though it may rage. 
For prejudice, now. what care I, 
If you kind friends my books will buy. 

H. P. CLARK. 

June, 1865. 



195) 

OYi July 12th, 1865, terminated the* tur- 
moil of a contested election, at which base 5 
and unmanly conduct were resorted to ; each 
party condemn ins; the other for such per- 
fidious conduct; but, had either party more 
influence, more would have been used. 

At the close of the poll the numbers were 
for Capt. Mackinnon 180. 

for Col. Macdonald 172. 

Majority for Capt. Mackinnon. 8*. 



H. P. CLARK, PRINTER, KYK 



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